KorrectNews Reporter Becomes Fellow of Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals

……..Advocates Embrace of AI in Journalism

Abdullahi Salaudeen, a reporter for KorrectNews, has been honored as a Fellow of the Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals. The recognition came during a two-day Media Entrepreneurship and Business Sustainability Fellowship program held on June 5th and 6th at the Centre for Management Development (CMD) in Lagos State. The event was organized in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.

The fellowship, which attracted participants from several African countries, featured a series of sessions led by prominent media professionals, focusing on the integration of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), into journalism practices.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya, CEO of Women Radio, Lagos, opened the sessions by discussing the relevance of media business and entrepreneurship in the evolving media technology landscape. She emphasized the need for media professionals to be creative and entrepreneurial to ensure the sustainability of their organizations.

Kayode Ladeinde, Executive Editor of TVC News, spoke about the importance of balancing the needs of both paying consumers (advertisers and agencies) and non-paying consumers (readers, viewers, listeners, and followers). Ladeinde highlighted that both groups are crucial for the financial and professional continuity of any media organization.

Additionally, Lekan Otunfodunrin provided insights into ethical storytelling and credible sourcing. Kolapo Olapoju, Editor of CableNG, delved into various business models for media organizations, noting the significant drop in advertising revenue. Olapoju advised media professionals on attracting funding and grants to enhance their journalistic activities.

Also at the program was Omotola Adebanjo, an editor at BBC, who educated participants on multimedia production and engaging audiences. Drawing from her international broadcasting experience, Adebanjo shared ten program formats that can generate income for media professionals.

Ikechukwu Onyekwulu, an Assistant Editor at BusinessDay, presented strategies for media and business sustainability, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches.

In his closing remarks, Yinka Olaito, the convener of the fellowship, discussed media viability and sustainability, highlighting the most favorable business models for media organizations.

Salaudeen’s advocacy for AI in journalism aligns with the fellowship’s focus on leveraging technology for media innovation. His participation underscores his commitment to advancing journalism practices in Nigeria.

The fellowship provided a platform for media professionals across Africa to explore new business models, ethical standards, and innovative approaches to media management, ensuring a bright future for journalism in the region.