In the Nigerian economy, there is a need for the media as an intermediary between people in the communities and the government. They are the middle men when it comes to informing the public about the government and vice versa. This is why media practitioners need to create groundbreaking content that will inform, educate, and empower citizens, promoting good governance, transparency, and social cohesion.
From my experience as a media enthusiast for four years, here are a few ways it can be achieved:
Social Media Advocacy
Social media activists can leverage platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube to launch advocacy campaigns. The media have a larger platform to speak up when they see evidence of corrupt practices. In 2016, the International Press Centre (IPC) collaborated with development partners to launch a one-year Media and Transparency Watch campaign driven by a quarterly tweet-a-thon event aimed at ensuring transparency in governance.
Storytelling
Media organizations have realized the power of storytelling using videos, photography, comics, and other forms of interactive multimedia to engage readers. Most communities affected by enduring deprivation lack a platform to voice their struggles. The use of storytelling and documentary by media practitioners can motivate actions that will demand accountability and better delivery of social services that can improve the quality of life of Nigerian citizens. TV, podcasts, and radio call-in shows featuring local voices can bring about public empathy and mobilize collective action. A good example is Kayode Okikiolu, a Nigerian media practitioner who leverages the power of storytelling to inform citizens about poor governance.
Investigative journalism using drones
Drones can be used as a tool by investigative journalists, as they can shine a light on underreported issues that would have been difficult to investigate using traditional news-gathering tools. This technology helps in investigative reporting by creating an eyewitness effect for reports and providing information and pictures in real time while also ensuring the safety of journalists.
Partnership with NGOs and international media
The media can collaborate with CSOs, NGOs, civic startups, and international media to amplify data in accessible formats such as infographics, articles, and podcasts. Radio news, etc. To increase pressure from foreign governments and institutions, media practitioners can co-publish with global platforms to expose Nigeria’s governance issues to the world.
Creating citizen journalism communities
Media houses can create groundbreaking content by empowering Nigerians to share their experiences through citizen journalism. This platform can help journalists get creative and verifiable content they can report on local governance issues.
Using solutions journalism to spark change
Public trust in the media across Nigeria has fallen in recent years. Therefore, it is important to create content that highlights success stories in communities, such as community activists winning legal battles, social intervention programs reducing unemployment, and local governments implementing positive reforms to inspire hope in the fight against bad governance.
Conclusion
By focusing on creating valuable, diverse, and inclusive content, media houses can build strong connections with their audience and drive meaningful engagement that can fight against bad governance.
