The Nigerian Guild of Editors has called on Nigeria’s federal government to address economic pressures impacting media sustainability and press freedom.
In response to mounting economic pressures, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has appealed to Nigeria’s federal government to implement immediate economic relief measures.
The call followed the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) held in Yenagoa, where editors highlighted the adverse impacts of fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate volatility on the nation’s economy, particularly on the media sector.
Also read: Top Nigerian leaders, media experts to address economic, media challenges at 20th all Nigeria editors conference
The Guild’s communique, signed by President Mr. Eze Anaba and General Secretary Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, emphasised the need for urgent action.
While recognising potential long-term benefits from government reforms, the Guild underscored the immediate risks posed to media sustainability, warning that current economic pressures could stifle both the industry and broader economic growth.
They urged targeted relief, including subsidies or tax incentives, to help media organisations manage rising operational costs.
The conference placed a strong emphasis on innovation within media revenue models.
Guild members encouraged media owners to diversify income streams beyond traditional advertising by investing in digital platforms, producing premium content, and exploring alternative revenue-generation models.
These shifts, they suggested, are vital to achieving financial sustainability in an era increasingly dominated by digital media.
Journalists’ safety was another major concern, with discussions spotlighting the increasing incidents of harassment and violence faced by media professionals.
The Guild advocated for the enforcement of laws designed to protect journalists, urging media houses to provide safety training, especially for those covering sensitive topics.
A recurring theme of ethical journalism emerged, with the Guild calling on media proprietors to uphold high standards of professionalism.
They stressed that ethical reporting is essential for maintaining public trust and countering pressures that threaten press freedom.
To further support the industry, the Guild called on the federal government to create a media-friendly environment by reviewing policies impacting operational costs and considering reductions in tariffs on essential media equipment.
The conference encouraged media proprietors to invest in digital transformation and train their staff in areas like data journalism and multimedia production to meet the evolving needs of Nigeria’s digital-savvy audience.
Collaboration among media organisations, NGOs, and civil society groups also featured prominently at the conference.
The Guild advocated for collective action to advance press freedom, with a specific focus on uniting to challenge restrictive laws and policies that hinder journalistic independence.
A significant aspect of the discussions revolved around the challenges posed by large technology platforms. The conference reviewed findings from a previous event, “The Big Tech and Journalism – Building a Sustainable Future for the Global South,” held in Johannesburg.
The conference attendees, including over 70 journalists, publishers, and stakeholders from 24 countries, developed “Principles for Fair Compensation” to address the intersection of journalism and Big Tech.
These principles serve as a universal framework for fostering media sustainability through regulatory approaches.
ANEC 2024 resolved to adopt these principles, hoping they will be a significant step forward for Nigeria’s media sector, particularly in addressing sustainability issues amid the rise of digital platforms.
The editors’ conference expressed concerns about the continued gagging of the Nigerian press, especially online platforms, through restrictive laws. They resolved to compile a list of anti-media laws to submit to the National Assembly, advocating for their repeal or amendment.
The Guild expressed gratitude to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, the Bayelsa State Executive Council, and local traditional rulers for their support, which played a crucial role in the conference’s success.
The ANEC 2024 concluded with a renewed commitment among Nigerian media proprietors and executives to support responsible journalism, foster economic growth, and uphold press freedom in Nigeria.
As the media industry faces significant economic and operational challenges, the Guild’s call for governmental action signals a unified effort to safeguard the vital role of journalism in Nigerian democracy.
