Nigerian digital journalists should do better. Way out – Halima Umar Saleh

By solacebase.com On Sep 24, 2024

Nigeria, digital journalists, Halima Umar Saleh — Nigerian digital journalists should do better. Way out-Halima Umar Saleh

The internet has brought numerous blessings to the world, one of which is the elevation of the journalism profession. Two decades ago, people relied on television, radio, newspapers, and magazines to stay informed about global events, but now, with smartphones and internet access, the world is at our fingertips.

Nigeria is experiencing significant technological advancements and internet penetration, providing millions of people with access to news and unfolding events in the country and beyond.

However, this digital era has also led to intense competition among media outlets, journalists, bloggers, and social media influencers, with everyone striving to break the news first.

But is journalism solely about breaking news?

Media experts say this new phase of digital news competition is gradually diminishing the relevance of some major media organizations in Nigeria.

Here are my observations on how the profession is changing, but I prefer not to mention names of persons or organisations even though I have numerous examples.

Challenges in Digital Journalism

In their quest to grow audiences, increase engagement, build traffic, and improve reach, journalists often lose sight of their main aim and responsibility, which goes beyond engagement and reach. They follow the trend of social media influencers and bloggers of getting attention by stirring controversy.

Though, I understand that some journalists do what they do because they follow the editorial agenda of their newsroom or instructions from their editors/ managers, while some organisations are commercial i.e: they rely on adverts so they need to prove they have the engagement and reach.

Several points highlight these challenges:

Sensational Headlines

Some media organisations in Nigeria have resorted to using sensationalism to attract audiences, blurring the line between journalism and blogging. This approach can lead to controversies, problems with authorities, and a loss of audience trust, which is the backbone of every media house.

Click-bait

As a journalist, it is disheartening to see reputable media organisations using click-bait headlines as a means to attract audiences. This practice diminishes the respect of such organisations in the eyes of the public.

Call to Action

Posting social cards with specific topics to elicit audience responses has become a popular strategy for journalists, bloggers, and social media influencers. However, it is concerning to witness some media outlets sharing impactless and meaningless contents that fail to fulfil the main objectives of journalism, which include informing, educating, inspiring, enlightening, and to some extent, entertaining. Many media houses have lost their way in this regard.

Armchair Journalism

The advancement of digital penetration has both positive and negative implications. The availability of internet data has made some journalists indolent, relying on information found online without conducting exclusive interviews or investigations.

Additionally, authorities, government agencies, multinational organisations, and companies often choose to share relevant information and press releases on social media platforms, withholding further details from the media. As a result, anyone claiming to be a journalist on social media can re-share the information even before traditional media outlets have the chance to cover the stories.

Misinformation and Disinformation

I have observed numerous instances where journalists and media outlets have been caught sharing and spreading fake news due to their hasty or nonchalant attitude towards verifying information before dissemination.

It is concerning and disconcerting to witness individuals responsible for debunking such news inadvertently publishing it. This not only tarnishes the image of the profession but also undermines the credibility of the media industry as a whole.

How to Improve Journalism in the Digital Era

To ensure the future of the journalism profession remains strong, journalists and media organisations need to focus on the following:

Distinct Coverage and Content

Being the first to break news is not the sole objective of journalism. It is crucial to move the story forward and add value. This can be achieved by conducting in-depth investigations and providing a unique perspective that sets you apart from competitors, including bloggers and influencers. Always remember that as a journalist, you work based on editorial ethics, particularly trust and transparency. Upholding editorial best practices and standards will strengthen your credibility.

Meaningful and Impactful Content

Produce content that is informative, useful, and impactful. Journalism should cut through the noise and provide quality reporting that resonates with the audience.

Audience Building

Focus on building an audience rather than just generating traffic. Numbers on the internet are not the sole measure of success. Aim to make a difference and be distinct in your coverage. Consistency in publishing content is key, and always keep in mind who your target audience is, when planning.

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Sometimes you can be impressed with the engagement, but when you put more energy and analyse it well, you may find out that most of the comments are negative and filled with both bitter and constructive criticisms, especially for not following the standards and ethics. It is important not to underestimate your audience, as many are well-informed and can discern between reputable media organizations, clickbait sources, and bloggers. Therefore, it is crucial to act wisely and responsibly in your interactions.

Digital Upskilling

Media organisations and journalists must prioritise digital upskilling. This can be achieved through training, providing practical tools, improving workflow, and adopting editorial best practices. Learn from successful strategies employed by competitors and adapt them to your own work. If you are in an organization that cannot afford to provide training for you, make sure you find ways of developing yourself.

I know that going abroad for training might be difficult, but platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube may be of great help. It is not a bad idea to even request the services of personal consultants to train you.

Look for fellowships and fully funded training opportunities, as success in these programs can lead to getting training opportunities in some of the world’s most reputable organizations. Many of my colleagues have benefited from such opportunities, resulting in significant positive changes in their professional lives.

Conclusion

While it is evident that digital audiences are often drawn to absurd stories that do not align with editorial policies, it is essential for journalists and media outlets to resist the temptation to shift their attention to trivial issues.

Audiences recognize the distinction between a media outlet and a blogging site, and they can question journalistic integrity. Therefore, it is crucial to be prudent in coverage and maintain a focus on meaningful and impactful journalism.

Saleh, is a Senior Editor, Digital Content Strategist, Social Media Expert, Communications Specialist and Translator English/Hausa