US, Channels academy host journalism innovation programme in Abuja, Lagos

The US Mission in Nigeria, in collaboration with Channels Academy, recently hosted a weeklong speaker program on Journalism Innovation and Sustainable Media Business in Abuja and Lagos.

The program, which ran from May 4-10, brought together nearly 100 CEOs from leading Nigerian media outlets to equip them with the skills to refine their business models, explore innovative revenue strategies, and enhance their approaches to audience engagement.

U.S. Ambassador Richard M. Mills, Jr. emphasized the crucial role of a free and independent press in strengthening democracy, stating, “A free and independent press is the backbone of any strong democracy.

“I’m grateful to be here with you as we work together to shape a more resilient future for media in this country.” Ambassador Mills highlighted the importance of economic viability for media independence”.

The programme, led by former media executive Stacia Philips, fostered a collaborative environment where media executives shared best practices and built lasting professional networks. Philips, drawing from her 30 years of experience in US newsrooms, noted that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for adapting business models to market realities.

Media outlets need to innovate and experiment with new approaches to stay ahead in the industry. By harnessing technology, they can improve newsgathering, optimize operations, and attract and retain talent. The program also encouraged media leaders to explore ideas like pooled coverage and joint content distribution to broaden their reach while maintaining editorial quality and business sustainability.

Philips described the program as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” that would shape the future of Nigeria’s media landscape. “I am thrilled to see how this newfound energy and cooperation will shape the future for all of Nigeria, ensuring a bright future, one defined by transparency, accountability, and progress,” she added.

General Manager Kingsley Uranta expressed appreciation to the U.S. Mission for supporting the program, which has already yielded promising results with increased collaboration among participants.

“In these challenging times, the future of media depends on our ability to innovate and co-create. Channels Academy will continue to lead the charge in empowering media leaders and practitioners to shape a resilient and dynamic industry,” Uranta said.

The U.S. Mission supports various initiatives to advance independent journalism, including workshops, seminars, and exchanges locally and in the United States. The mission looks forward to seeing the continued growth and success of Nigeria’s vibrant media landscape.