Following the three-day All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged the federal government to take immediate action to mitigate the negative impacts of fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate volatility on the economy.
Acknowledging economic constraints and rising operational costs, the Guild urged the federal government to consider subsidies or tax relief to support media houses struggling with these challenges.
In a communique issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, NGE president Eze Anaba and General Secretary Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren stated that while the Guild recognises the potential long-term benefits of the federal government’s reforms, the immediate economic strain on all sectors—especially the media—has become unsustainable and counterproductive to economic growth as well as media sustainability and viability.
The Guild, therefore, called for targeted relief measures to ease the burden on citizens and businesses alike.
Regarding the sustainability of media revenue models, the Guild advocated for innovation in revenue generation beyond traditional advertising.
„Media owners are encouraged to invest in quality journalism, embrace digital platforms, and offer premium content to ensure financial sustainability,“ the Guild stated.
The conference also expressed concern over increasing harassment and violence against journalists, calling for stricter enforcement of journalist protection laws and urging media houses to provide safety training for staff, especially those covering sensitive issues.
Reaffirming the importance of ethical journalism, media proprietors were urged to uphold high standards of professionalism, emphasising that adherence to these standards is crucial for building public trust and countering pressures threatening press freedom.
The Guild also called on the federal government to create a media-friendly environment by reviewing policies influencing operational costs and considering tariff reductions on essential media equipment.
According to the NGE, “There was a strong recommendation at the conference for media proprietors to invest in digital transformation, enhance content delivery, and train staff in digital skills such as data journalism and multimedia production to adapt to Nigeria’s increasingly digital audience.”
The Guild also encouraged greater collaboration among media organisations, NGOs, and civil society to advocate for press freedom, emphasising unity in confronting restrictive laws and policies.
The ANEC further discussed the outcome of a conference titled “The Big Tech and Journalism – Building a Sustainable Future for the Global South,” held last year in Johannesburg.
The conference, which brought together over 70 journalists, news publishers, and media organisations, including the Nigerian Guild of Editors, scholars, activists, lawyers, and economists from 24 countries, explored solutions to the crisis in journalism sustainability and its intersection with significant tech platforms.
According to the Guild, “The conference culminated in adopting Big Tech and Journalism: Principles for Fair Compensation (the Principles). The Principles are intended to be universal, serving as a framework for any country seeking to address media sustainability through competition or regulatory approaches while enabling adaptation to unique contexts.”
The ANEC resolved to implement the Principles, hoping they represent an essential step forward in addressing Nigerian media sustainability in „the tumultuous era of Big Tech.“
The Guild also voiced concerns over efforts to stifle Nigerian press freedom, mainly through online censorship laws, and resolved to compile all anti-media statutes and submit them to the National Assembly to initiate the process for repeal or amendment.
The Guild expressed gratitude to Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, members of the Bayelsa State Executive Council, and traditional rulers for their hospitality and support. These were instrumental in facilitating a successful conference and demonstrated Bayelsa’s commitment to fostering national dialogue and media development.
The 20th ANEC concluded with a shared commitment from Nigerian media proprietors, media executives, and editors to promote responsible journalism, support economic growth, and defend press freedom and democracy.
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