2nd Edition ACSPN North Central Empowerment Series
Venue: Abuja.
November 30, 2017
Guest Speaker: Mr Dapo Olorunyomi – Publisher, Premium Times
Topic: Renewing Nigerian Journalism: The Challenge of the Online Media
The 2nd ACSPN North Central Empowerment Series treated a very topical issue in the industry. The rising influence of online and digital media has negatively impacted traditional media platforms especially those who have refused or have been unable to reinvent themselves to take advantage of the current trend which is here to stay.
In addressing the issue, Mr. Olorunyomi stated that the OUTCOME of all good journalism is CREDIBILITY – a crucial currency with the public and that the PROCESS of acquiring and presenting information must be defined by INTEGRITY. He explained that good journalism cannot be taken in by unverified stories or join the wagon of those who repeat statistics without checking on their accuracy and that integrity must drive credibility.
Mr Dapo Olorunyomi described two crisis situations that must be addressed in the media – the issue of trust and ethics. Based on a survey carried out by BBC, more than three quarters of respondents from three nationalities stated that they want solution-oriented reports instead of problem-laden news stories. The second crisis of the industry is that of declining advertising revenue. Finally he explains that in addition to the aforementioned crisis, publishers are faced with the challenge of choosing a balance between the social model (accountability) and economic model.
In his view, the investigative nonprofit journalism is the way to go. Here the media is given power to run a newsroom purely with donations from members and readers. He expatiated on this concept further and then gave attendees an opportunity to discuss his suggestions.
In all it was a wonderful, thought provoking session. Attendees left with ideas to disseminate to and further process within their organizations.
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