#TuesdayThoughts #NigeriaMediaSurvival Concerned about increased report of journalists contracting #coronavirus ,& many loosing their jobs, I spent most part of last week reaching out to media friends to ascertain the current realities in their operations
Utmost concern is that most media organisations are yet to fully include the adoption of containment protocols into operational systems and provide PPE and specialised gadgets for reporters, particularly cameramen mainly as a result of the financial crisis rocking the industry.
While the public more than ever before, rely on radio, television, print & online platforms for information, education and entertainment amid the crisis triggered by the pandemic, the business side of the media is almost comatose.
The advertising sector, which is inseparable from the economic model of the media, is operating at its lowest due to business shutdown. With no advert, some media have adopted thriving mechanisms such as slashing salaries by upto 50% & disengaging an alarming number of staff
The FGs conditional debt forgiveness of 60% for broadcast media is a good start, but more needs to be done urgently. The media needs a bail out. Media organisations who are worst hit should be able to access some form of flexible grant to keep their doors open post #COVIDー19
Unemployment is a driver of violent extremism; with more media practitioners losing their jobs, there will be ripple effect with more Nigerians dropping below the poverty line. Media owners must also begin to explore new business models in the face of dwindling advert revenue.
CSOs must be deliberate in supporting her closest ally, the media at this time, particularly in the areas of capacity building; there has been inadequate training for journalists on humanitarian crisis reporting, and covering a pandemic.
As we are having conversations on revamping other sectors, realistic solutions on #NigeriaMediaSurval should also be at the front burner. How are media in developed climes able to stay afloat despite the pandemic? & what lessons can Nigeria learn/adopt? Good morning friends
