Executive Director, International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) Dayo Aiyetan has called on media organisations to get a reliable source of income to carryout investigative reporting rather than depending on donor agencies.
Aiyetan made this known on second day of the 2023 Amplify In-depth Media (AIM) Conference and Awards, at Abuja Continental Hotel, saying investigative reporting is critical in nature.
According to him, the media need financial sustainability to enable them to discharge their responsibilities.
He also emphasised the need for journalists to prioritise objectivity, accuracy and verification of their stories before publishing.
Aiyetan urged media professionals to leverage on technology and audience identification to carry their audience along.
Deputy Director, MacArthur Foundation, Amina Salihu in her submission believed that data is very important in telling the story that will capture the minds of audience.
According to her, quality reports, independence journalism, accountability and speaking truth to power is the best way to practice investigative reporting.
She urged develop partners and civil society organizations to support media organizations in promoting unbiased reports.
Contributing via Zoom, Vice President, Africa, Luminate Group, Toyin Akinniyi said the media need donor funding to embark on investigative reporting.
Akinniyi wants media organizations to explore different funding options that can support their work of informing the public.
BBC Editor, Jimeh Saleh also called on media organisations to do more on developmental stories that would follow up stories until there is result.
He also urged journalists to venture into exclusive stories with human angle perspectives.
