In a thought-provoking session titled “Media independence, sustainability, and the town and gown question,” held at the Amplify In-depth Media Conference in Abuja on Friday 8 December 2023, prominent figures in journalism and the academia engaged in a dynamic discourse to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by media practitioners in the evolving media landscape.
Moderated by Kunle Adebajo, Head of Investigations, HumAngle, with a wide range of impressive scholars and journalists on the panel including; Umaru Pate, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Kashere (FUK), Gombe State, Theophilus Abbah, Director, Daily Trust Foundation, Chinedu Anumudu, Lecturer, Baze University and Sharon Ijasan, Senior Correspondent, TVC News.
The discussion interrogated the crucial intersection of media, academia, and the pressing need for sustainable practices in the field.
Prof Umaru Pate emphasised the importance of engaging with the audience through research and understanding their preferences. The panel emphasised the significance of maintaining credibility through rigorous journalistic practices, highlighting the evolving nature of the industry.
The conversation took an insightful turn as Senior Correspondent, TVC News, Sharon Ijasan, who drew from her experience as both a journalist and lecturer, shared her perspective on bridging the gap between academia and the industry.
She emphasised the need for professionals to share their insights with students, providing them with practical knowledge and mentorship.
Addressing the issue of journalists diverging from the field after graduation, the panel identified institutional challenges and suggested collaborative efforts between newsrooms and universities. The call for fostering a culture of fearlessness and independence in journalism education echoed throughout the discussion.
The discussion concluded with a call for stronger connections between academia and the industry, recognising the need for mutual collaboration to enhance the quality of journalism education and practice. The panellists expressed optimism about the potential for positive change through informed, collaborative efforts.
