PeakNews Online
Lagos, July 30, 2024 (NAN) – Media entrepreneurs and practitioners have raised concerns about the survival of the media industry amidst the rapidly evolving landscape.
This topic was at the forefront of discussions at the Lateef Jakande Annual Memorial Lecture 2024, organized by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Lagos on Tuesday.
The event, themed “Rapidly Changing Media Landscape: Media Survival Strategies,” saw prominent figures in the media industry proposing various solutions to address the challenges faced by the sector.
Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of ThisDay/Arise Media Group, emphasized the need for legislative changes to support the media industry. He advocated for the recognition of Intellectual Property (IP) as an asset, suggesting that media content should be monetized effectively. “Let us pass a law that those who use our works online must pay for it. If we get payment for all our works used by online users, journalism will be better for it,” Obaigbena stated.
Highlighting the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the media, Obaigbena stressed the importance of education and good governance to ensure the media’s survival. He noted that technological advancements have significantly altered news distribution, with phones and computers becoming primary mediums. “The information in the print media has also been consumed by the people at night before the hard copies will surface, hence the need for the media to engage the future,” he added.
Mr. Joseph Adeyeye, Managing Director of The Punch, echoed similar sentiments, urging media practitioners to embrace AI as a beneficial tool rather than a threat. He called for re-education and adaptation to the current media landscape. “We need to re-educate ourselves about the nature of the business. We all agreed that things have changed. We need to understand that change, we need to address it in a very robust manner. We need also to rediscover our craft,” Adeyeye said.
Mr. Sam Amuka, Publisher of Vanguard Media Group, pointed out the significant shift in media consumption due to mobile technology. He acknowledged the challenges of producing newspapers in an era where online news is instantaneously accessible. “It is our responsibility as media people to do more things because time waits for no man. If we want to survive, we must engage our minds and brain,” Amuka stated.
Addressing the issues of inflation and the cost of publishing, Amuka highlighted the ongoing necessity of hard copy publications despite the challenges.
Former NGE President, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, emphasized the need for in-depth reporting and analysis to improve the media’s standing. “Let us court the young. Do a lot more to make more money,” Egbemode advised.
The lecture featured numerous eminent journalists, professionals, and media owners who shared their insights and proposed solutions for the media’s future in an ever-changing environment.
On behalf of the Jakande family, Deji Jakande expressed gratitude to the NGE and assured that the family would uphold their father’s legacy and not disappoint Nigerians.
