Expert harps on purpose-driven media houses for sustainability

Considering the turbulent times all conventional and non conventional media houses are currently passing through, a call has been made on media owners to be purpose-driven in their quest for sustainability.

This charge was given in Abuja Wednesday by a media expert from the Republic of South Africa, Mr Bongani Sigoco, during the 10th year anniversary celebration of International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR).

Mr Sigoco who gave the keynote address was speaking on the theme of media sustainability in the face of unpleasant business environment.

He said, “Media owners have to be clear about what the media is all about in order to make the business financially viable. To be a sustainable media outfit, you must be purposeful towards positive outcomes. There should be a quest to be socially and commercially viable with a strong and committed business entity.”

Speaking further, Sigoco charged media operators to appreciate their workers at all times while charging employees to strive towards excellence and competence.

“We must be competent in how we generate news and distribute them to our viewers and readers.”

In his welcome address, Dayo Aiyetan, the executive director of ICIR went down memory lane to thank those with whom the journey began over 10 years ago. He said the centre was formed purely for investigative journalism while also providing a base for journalists to practice and media houses to operate.

The publishers of Thisday Newspaper, Mr Nduka Obaigbena, Daily Trust Newspaper, Mallam Kabir Yusuf were represented while Professor Abigail Ogwezzy Ndisika from the University of Lagos, CEO RadioNow, Kadaria Ahmed were in attendance. Others were Senator Chris Anyawnu, CEO Hot FM and members governing board of ICIR were also present.