The Challenges of Media in Nigeria and the Rise of CBI News
The media landscape in Nigeria is often described as a complex and unpredictable environment, with challenges that extend beyond mere journalism. Dele Momodu, the publisher of Ovation Magazine, has highlighted the difficulties faced by journalists in the country, emphasizing that no one can survive on salary alone. This sentiment was expressed during the inauguration of the CBI News App in Lagos, where he shared his insights on the state of media in Nigeria.
Momodu likened the media to an “abiku” or “ogbaje,” terms used in Yoruba and Igbo cultures respectively to describe a spirit child that dies and returns to life repeatedly. He explained that this metaphor reflects the volatile nature of the media industry, which is constantly evolving and facing new challenges.
“Being a media investor in Nigeria is what the Yorubas call ‘abiku’. The Igbos call it ‘ogbaje’. Abiku is a child that you give birth to, which will die and come back again. That is the media. The media is as complex as you are seeing it,” he said.
Momodu stressed the importance of fair compensation for journalists, stating that even a monthly salary of N1 million may not be sufficient for survival. He argued that the media industry requires more than just financial support; it needs a sustainable model that ensures the well-being of those who work within it.
A New Approach to Journalism
In contrast to traditional media outlets, the founder of CBI News and chairman of the Baywood Group, Chris Ibe, has taken a different approach. His goal is to become a change agent by creating a global media platform that tells human-centric stories. Ibe pointed out that there is a gap in how stories are told in Nigeria compared to international outlets like the BBC.
“One of the angles that is missing in this part of the world is human-centric stories,” he said. He emphasized that news should not only focus on negative events but also highlight the human impact of such events. This approach aims to provide a more balanced and comprehensive view of current affairs.
At the launch of the CBI News App, the theme of trust crisis and building credibility was central to the discussion. Ibe highlighted the interconnected nature of media ownership, funding, and credibility, urging the implementation of clear policies and governance structures.
He also promised that CBI journalists would have insurance and protection to ensure they can report without fear or compromise. “Should anything happen to me, what happens to my family? Every journalist that works with CBI will have a premium national insurance plan,” he stated.
Editorial Independence and Corporate Governance
Editorial independence was a key focus during the event, with an emphasis on maintaining the platform’s value proposition without dilution. Adebija, a representative from the CBI team, explained that there are clear corporate governance structures in place to ensure that ownership does not undermine the potency and value of the platform.
“This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our reporting and ensuring that our audience receives accurate and unbiased information,” he said.
The CBI News App represents a new era in Nigerian journalism, combining a commitment to human-centric storytelling with a strong emphasis on credibility and editorial independence. As the media landscape continues to evolve, platforms like CBI News aim to set a new standard for quality journalism in the region.