AFYMP Organise Two-Days Workshop For Media Entrepreneurs

The Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals on Wednesday, organized the 2023 Media Entrepreneurship Fellowship, a program designed to address the emerging challenges in the media industry in Nigeria.

The two-day workshop was held on Wednesday, July 6, 2023, at the Centre for Management Development (CMD) in Lagos.

The facilitators include a senior Manager with Microsoft Nigeria, Jacquelyn Ekwueme, Prof Suruj Olunifesi of Lagos State University, BBC Editor and producer of GistNaija, Omotola Adebanjo, Executive Director of Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin and David Afolayan of technext.

During the two-day workshop, speaking about the business model, the executive director of Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals, Yinka Olaito, said the viability and sustainability of media platforms are crucial aspects for the success and impact of any media organization. In today’s rapidly changing media landscape, media platforms need to adapt and evolve to remain relevant and competitive.

According to him, media platforms need to have a solid financial foundation to support their operations, pay salaries, invest in technology and equipment, and produce high-quality content.

“Without financial stability, media organizations may struggle to maintain their operations and deliver valuable content to their audience.

“Sustainable media platforms focus on building a loyal and engaged audience. By consistently providing valuable and relevant content, media platforms can attract and retain a dedicated audience base. This, in turn, leads to increased readership, viewership, or listenership, and potentially attracts advertisers or sponsors,” he said.

Mr. Olaito said sustainable media platforms prioritize ethics and credibility. Building and maintaining trust with the audience is essential for long-term success. Platforms that consistently provide accurate and reliable information, adhere to journalistic standards, and are transparent about their sources and processes are more likely to gain credibility and sustain their reputation.

He, however, said the viability and sustainability of media platforms are vital for their long-term success, audience engagement, innovation, credibility, and social impact. By focusing on these aspects, media organizations can navigate the challenges of the industry and thrive in the ever-changing media landscape.

Speaking at the two days workshop, Professor Suraj Olunifesi delivered a talk on data journalism and fact-checking tools for combating fake news, misinformation, and disinformation in the digital age.

He shares insights and strategies on how media professionals can effectively use data-driven journalism techniques and fact-checking tools to verify information, counter false narratives, and promote accurate reporting.

He said data must be preserved and accurate for ensuring the integrity and reliability of the information.

When data is accurate, it means that it is free from errors, inconsistencies, or bias. This accuracy allows users to trust and rely on the data for making informed decisions, conducting research, or performing analysis.

According to him, accurate data helps maintain the credibility and reputation of the organization or individual responsible for collecting and managing the data. Therefore, preserving and maintaining accuracy in data is crucial for maintaining the quality and usefulness of the information.

He explained that journalists must report based on facts rather than opinions is essential for maintaining objectivity and credibility.

“When information is based on facts, it means that it is verifiable and supported by evidence. This approach ensures that the reported information is reliable and can be trusted by the audience. By focusing on facts, reporters can provide an unbiased account of events, issues, or topics, allowing readers or viewers to form their own opinions based on accurate information.

“Reporting on facts also helps to counter misinformation or fake news, which can be misleading and harmful. Emphasizing the importance of reporting on facts rather than opinions is crucial for promoting transparency, accuracy, and trust in journalism and communication.

Prof Olunifesi said Journalists may sometimes rely on incomplete or inaccurate sources, misinterpret information, or rush to publish breaking news without proper verification. These instances should be acknowledged and addressed, but they should not be generalized to all journalists or used to undermine the credibility of the entire profession.

He revealed that media consumers should critically evaluate the information they encounter and rely on reputable news sources that prioritize accuracy and transparency.

“Holding journalists accountable for their work is crucial, but it is equally important to recognize the valuable role that journalism plays in providing essential information to the public and holding power to account.

He, however, said individual biases or errors in reporting can occasionally occur, but they should not be generalized to all journalists.

Also, speaking at the event, the BBC Editor and producer of GistNaija, Omotola Adebanjo, said in broadcast journalism, a wrapper typically occurs at the beginning or end of a news segment or program.

According to her, the wrapper is usually delivered by the anchor or reporter and serves to introduce or wrap up the segment. The wrapper may include a summary of the key points, a transition to the next segment, or a call to action for the audience.

“In journalism, a wrapper refers to a brief introductory or concluding statement that provides context or summarizes the main points of an article, news segment, or broadcast. It is often used to frame the content and provide a concise overview for the audience.

Omotola said the purpose of a wrapper is to provide context, engage the audience, and help them understand the significance of the information being presented. It can also act as a way to transition smoothly between different stories or segments, maintaining the flow of the news or article.

She added that a wrapper in journalism is a concise statement or summary that sets the stage for the main content, providing context and engaging the audience.