Media Retooling, Key To Tackling New Challenges – Ishiekwene

Editor-in-chief of LEADERSHIP Newspapers, Mr Azu Ishiekwene, has raised concerns about emerging challenges starring at media practitioners and how these challenges could be turned into opportunities.

In his presentation at a capacity building workshop for media stakeholders with the theme, “ The Strategic Role Of The Media in Sustaining Nigeran Content Legacies” hosted by the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board, NCDMB, in Lagos yesterday, Ishiekwene, opined that the media is now facing key challenges from emerging technology but which in turn provide opportunities for practitioners to develop competences.

Speaking from a prepared paper on “Retooling Competences For The Media Landscape” he advised that journalists can effectively discharge their responsibility by acquainting themselves with latest technology.

Though he noted that technology is changing dynamics of the media landscape, it will help to enhance content delivery and make practitioners efficient.

However, he warned that except those in the field retool and reinvent their competences they will fail to adapt in the fast-changing dynamics.

According to him, the newsroom structure is changing and content delivery is not determined by size of the office but investment in key driving tools that makes the job efficient.

He advised media practitioners to crave for new technology that helps to turn out quality output.

Ishiekwene also dwelt on some of the emerging challenges which include social media, blogsphere, which is making citizens journalism a driving force.

Currently he states that about 60-65 per cent of the country’s population is made of young people who consume content from social media.

In addition, he disclosed that 5.4 million people globally use the internet and 122 million people key into internet space to get vital information.

In order to key into the new space, he charged journalists especially energy reporters to acquire vital tools like smartphones, and other devices that are more efficient to make their job sustainable.

He said though search engines and other Apps can be veritable tools to enhance productivity however, it is key for reporters to be ahead to provide context and perspective and be able to interrogate issues to deliver factual information.

Ishiekwene further challenged those on the energy desk to ensure they enrich themselves with key global energy policies, economic competences, and environmental awareness.

In addition, they should invest in research and communication tool, engage in networking, digital platform, training and continuous learning.

Earlier, the general manager, Corporate Communication and Zonal Coordination, of NCDMB, Esuene Dan Kikile, called on the media to support the agency’s advocacy and strategic plan to achieve its target objectives. Ikikile said media collaboration is critical to enabling it proceed effectively with its 10-year strategic plan.