Tinubu, 2027 and the Price of Losing Trusted Journalism
In London last week, Sarah Lester, editor of the Manchester Evening News, stood before Parliament to open this year’s Journalism Matters campaign. She was not pleading for sympathy. She was asking a question that every democracy must now answer. The British prime minister had promised that “trusted local journalism remains at the heart of communities.” […]
Last week, Sarah Lester, editor of the Manchester Evening News, addressed Parliament in London, opening this year's Journalism Matters campaign. Lester questioned how far power would go to ensure that journalism thrives, emphasizing the importance of trusted local journalism in communities. The speech, delivered in Britain, echoed similar concerns in Nigeria, where the media industry faces urgent challenges with a general election approaching in 2027.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former media proprietor, understands the implications of a declining press and has acknowledged the challenges his administration must address. Hyperinflation, devaluation of the naira, and the migration of advertising to online platforms have made journalism an increasingly unprofitable venture. The information environment has also become toxic, with misinformation spreading through social media platforms.
The European Commission and British authorities are taking steps to combat manipulative practices online, but Nigeria must also take action to support its independent newsrooms. Treating journalism as essential public infrastructure, rather than a profit-driven industry, is crucial for maintaining democracy and accountability.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Trust's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
