Condition of Media Outfits In A’Ibom Worries Experts
4 min read
Edith CHUKU
Experts in the media industry have expressed concerns over the numerous challenges bedeviling the media community in Akwa Ibom State, adding that most private and government owned media outfits are struggling to survive, while others have been completely grounded.
They are also worried about the condition of most media outfits in the state was due largely to the high cost of components and running costs.
They stated this at a one-day stakeholders summit, held at the NUJ Press Center, Information Drive, Uyo, aimed at enhancing a stronger relationship between the media community, public and private organizations in the State.
Some of the dignitaries who attended the summit were the State Commissioner for Information, Barr. Ini Ememobong, the Media Consultant to Governor Umo Eno, Hon. Aniekan Umanah and the State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Amos Etuk.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Israel Umoh, who made an appraisal of the condition of the media in the state said, “most private and government owned media outfits are struggling to survive, while others have been completely grounded, due largely to the high cost of components and running costs.
“Some practitioners with relevant qualifications to their career are jobless. Others suffer terminal ailments, yet still beams with smiles.”
Umoh enjoined journalists to “in spite of the many ailments affecting them and logs on their path to progress, rise as one to clear the Armageddon that is about to sink them and besmirch the profession.”
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, who is a former NUJ Chairman and Publisher of the Straightnews Newspaper, explained that the summit was an avenue for media practitioners to bring the front burner, their pressing goals and challenges in shoring to welfarism.
He noted that participants at the event were selected as comrades to join in the clamour of rebuilding the broken walls of the media industry in the State.
Umoh added that “though the press is not sin-free, the fact remains that we are consistent propagators of good democratic governance.”
Further, he recalled the role the media played against colonialism and military dictatorship in the past and which eventually aided in opening the doors of political independence and democratic rule in Nigeria, where the press were accorded a place in the 1999 Constitution of the Federation.
In their separate remarks, the State Commissioner for Information, Barr. Ini Ememobong and Hon. Aniekan Umanah reassured the Journalists of the State Government’s readiness to continue to partner with the media community in the State, while advocating for objectivity in their reportage.
The duo urged journalists to be innovative and the need to create other sources of income to survive the current hash economic situation in Nigeria, while assuring journalists of the numerous programmes of government to better the lives of the citizens.
Speaking, the State NUJ Chairman, Mr Amos Etuk applauded the outstanding performance of most journalists in the State, adding that the pen pushers have done their best to project the State in good light.
Etuk appreciated resource persons and the organizers of the media summit. He also disclosed that four Akwa Ibom personalities have been nominated to be honoured at by the Union’s national leadership at the NUJ Media Icon Award taking place in Lagos on 17th of October, 2024.
He further expressed optimism that the outcome of the summit will help to foster a better relationship between the media community and the State Government.
On his part, the co-chairman of the event, Comrade Cletus Ukpong, who spoke on Ethical and Responsible Journalism, urged journalists in the State to be civil and responsible in their reportage, stressing that journalists in the State are not at war with the State Government.
Also, the Editor of The Atlantic Observer, Mr Abasifreke Effiong, who presented a paper on Evaluation of the Relationship Between Public Relations Officials of Government, Organisations and Journalists in Akwa Ibom, advocated for a change of attitude by media managers towards journalists in the State.
He equally called for a review and thorough planning of media relations strategies and programmes to preserve the dignity of journalists, cultivate long-term friendship through collaborative projects with journalists and media houses and the need to assist journalists with data-sourcing, capacity building, equipment fund, quick and positive response to information requests.
Other papers presented at the event were Media Practice in Akwa Ibom: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow by Dr. Idongesit Ashameri, Challenges of Media Industry in Akwa Ibom by Idorenyin Aquaisua, Opportunities for for Media Sustainability by Ekemini Simon and Examination of Press Freedom in Akwa Ibom by Comrade Franklyn Isong.
Others who spoke at the event were the Managing Director of Redemption F.M, Comfort Umanah and the State COOPA Chancellor, Mr Utitofon Morgan.
