By Udueme Ejime …..
The media remains one of the strongest pillars of any democratic society.
Across the world, journalists are respected because they hold those in authority accountable, amplify the voices of ordinary citizens, educate the public, entertain audiences and provide timely information that shapes national development.
It is for this reason that the press is widely described as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
Ironically, despite this indispensable role, media practitioners in Nigeria remain among the least appreciated professionals.
While the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary operate with constitutional backing, institutional funding and structured welfare packages, the press, which serves as the watchdog of society, is often left to survive on its own.
For decades, journalists have used the power of the pen and the microphone to project individuals, organisations and governments from obscurity to prominence.
They have defended democracy, exposed corruption, mobilised citizens during elections, promoted peace during crises and educated millions through factual reporting.
Yet many of those who benefit from the sacrifices of journalists hardly consider their welfare.
The unfortunate reality is that journalism in Nigeria has become one of the few professions where many practitioners have no certainty of a monthly income.
While journalists employed by government-owned media organisations generally receive regular salaries, many working in privately owned newspapers, radio and television stations are either poorly paid or not paid at all.
Some survive on commissions, advertisements or whatever they can generate in the field, a practice that undermines professionalism and editorial independence.
No profession can maintain high ethical standards when its practitioners are subjected to chronic poverty and neglect.
A hungry journalist is constantly exposed to pressure, inducement and manipulation.
Although unethical behaviour cannot be justified, poor welfare creates fertile ground for practices such as “brown envelope” journalism, sensationalism, fake news and other compromises that damage the credibility of the profession.
This situation also explains why quackery has become increasingly visible in the media space.
As genuine practitioners struggle to make ends meet, untrained individuals masquerade as journalists, exploiting the profession for personal gain and contributing to the spread of misinformation.
The consequence is a gradual erosion of public confidence in the media.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) where necessary, media proprietors and regulatory bodies must work together to restore the dignity of journalism.
Ethical standards should be strictly enforced, while unqualified persons who bring the profession into disrepute should not be allowed to thrive.
At the same time, government and media owners must recognise that journalists deserve decent working conditions.
The time has come for stronger labour protections that guarantee prompt payment of salaries, pensions and other employment benefits for media professionals, irrespective of whether they work in public or private establishments.
Existing labour laws should be enforced, and where necessary, strengthened to protect journalists from exploitation.
Beyond salaries, the hazardous nature of journalism demands comprehensive welfare packages.
Reporters frequently cover conflicts, elections, disasters, epidemics and dangerous assignments that expose them to physical attacks, emotional trauma and even death.
Life insurance, comprehensive health coverage, housing schemes, vehicle revolving loans, continuous professional training and modern working tools should no longer be viewed as privileges but as necessities.
Investment in journalists is an investment in democracy.
A well-trained, adequately remunerated and professionally protected media workforce is more likely to produce balanced, factual and investigative reports that strengthen governance and national development.
Conversely, neglecting the welfare of journalists weakens the very institution responsible for promoting transparency and holding leaders accountable.
Nigerian society must therefore abandon the culture of celebrating journalists only when they are needed for publicity while ignoring their welfare after the headlines fade.
A nation that expects the media to defend democracy must also defend those who risk their lives daily to inform the public.
The future of responsible journalism in Nigeria depends not only on the integrity of media practitioners but also on the willingness of governments, media proprietors, professional bodies and society at large to accord the profession the dignity, protection and welfare it truly deserves.
A restructured and well-supported press will not only elevate journalism but will also strengthen democracy, promote accountability and accelerate national development……
#ejimenwaudueme…….