Thanks for your very profound perspective on this issue which many journalists live in denial about. Journalism is indeed social service, but it is also business, especially now with the digital disruption and state of the economy which has made it necessary for journalists to fully understand the reality you have explained in this piece.
As much as I agree with the reasons why journalists traditionally earn poor, we also need to talk about how unprofessional many of these "traditional' journalists are. It's so bad they don't even read through a press release or try to understand the issue, ask follow up questions and write a story worth a reader's time. It's almost as if it's all about the money and not about the news. Recently, a Company that I work for was mentioned in a news bulletin; allegations were made. I reached out for an opportunity to respond, they sent a rate card. How are you so comfortable with peddling one-sided stories and wouldn't give the concerned parties a chance to respond, except they pay? Honestly, I don't think the majority of journalists in Nigeria understand the profession. And then the publishers - another story entirely, so focused on the bottom line that providing timely and accurate information is secondary. The whole system needs to be overhauled. Thank God for young and creative minds who go the extra mile.
Thanks for your very profound perspective on this issue which many journalists live in denial about. Journalism is indeed social service, but it is also business, especially now with the digital disruption and state of the economy which has made it necessary for journalists to fully understand the reality you have explained in this piece.
As much as I agree with the reasons why journalists traditionally earn poor, we also need to talk about how unprofessional many of these "traditional' journalists are. It's so bad they don't even read through a press release or try to understand the issue, ask follow up questions and write a story worth a reader's time. It's almost as if it's all about the money and not about the news. Recently, a Company that I work for was mentioned in a news bulletin; allegations were made. I reached out for an opportunity to respond, they sent a rate card. How are you so comfortable with peddling one-sided stories and wouldn't give the concerned parties a chance to respond, except they pay? Honestly, I don't think the majority of journalists in Nigeria understand the profession. And then the publishers - another story entirely, so focused on the bottom line that providing timely and accurate information is secondary. The whole system needs to be overhauled. Thank God for young and creative minds who go the extra mile.
As a still practising journalist, I can't help but appreciate your insights. The way for the journalist to go - become part of the creators' economy.