Media executives, journalism educators and industry experts have called for a radical transformation of Nigeria’s local newspaper industry, warning that innovation, artificial intelligence and sustainable business models are now essential for survival in a rapidly changing digital media landscape.

The call came during the Journalism Outlook Conference 2026, organised by Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, under the theme: “Reinventing Local Newspapers in the Digital Age: Innovation, Sustainability and Global Community Impact.”

The conference brought together newspaper proprietors, publishers, editors, journalists, media technology experts, digital entrepreneurs and communication scholars to examine how local journalism can remain relevant while preserving its democratic responsibility.

Why it matters

Local newspapers remain critical to Nigeria’s democracy because they monitor local governments, amplify community voices and provide trusted information on issues that directly affect citizens.

However, speakers warned that declining newspaper circulation, shrinking advertising revenue, rising production costs, artificial intelligence, misinformation and changing audience behaviour are threatening the future of community journalism.

They noted that according to the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2026, more than half of global news audiences now access news primarily through digital platforms, while younger consumers increasingly rely on social media, podcasts, newsletters and video platforms.

Vice Chancellor: Credible journalism not paper is the real product

Opening the conference, the Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, said newspapers must reinvent themselves without abandoning their responsibility to strengthen democracy.

He identified declining print circulation, reduced advertising revenue, increasing operational costs, AI-generated content, misinformation and declining public trust as some of the biggest challenges confronting local journalism.

Despite those pressures, Asikhia argued that local journalism remains one of society’s most trusted institutions when it demonstrates independence, credibility and accountability.

“The digital revolution killed obsolete business models, not newspapers themselves,” he said.

According to him, newspapers should stop thinking of paper as their product.

“The core product is credible information, not paper.”

He urged media organisations to rethink their methods of content delivery, audience engagement, newsroom culture, revenue generation and technological capability.

The Vice Chancellor also stressed that local newspapers continue to preserve indigenous languages and culture, strengthen community identity, promote development communication and provide investigative reporting that national media often cannot replicate.

Veteran publisher: Advertising remains journalism’s lifeblood

Delivering the keynote address titled “Reimagining Local Newspapers in a Platform-Driven World: Global Lessons in Digital Transformation, Innovation and Sustainability,” veteran newspaper proprietor Mr Monsur Olowosoga reflected on more than four decades in journalism.

He thanked Caleb University for inviting him despite another engagement and narrated his journalism journey from the 1970s through his studies in London and his work at Daily Times, Daily Pilot and National Concord.

He explained that while studying in the United Kingdom, he observed that community newspapers concentrated almost entirely on local affairs, inspiring him to establish Oriwu Sun Newspaper after leaving National Concord in 1985.

He said the newspaper started with about ₦40,000 from his father’s residence and has remained in operation for approximately 41 years.

Olowosoga repeatedly described advertising as the foundation of newspaper sustainability.

“No newspaper can survive without advertising revenue,” he said, adding that the principle applies equally to print and digital publications.

He advised publishers to prioritise community reporting because readers are primarily interested in developments affecting their immediate environment.

He also encouraged young journalists to embrace digital technology without compromising integrity, objectivity and professionalism.

According to him, credibility remains the most valuable asset any journalist can possess.

Editors’ Guild advocates digital transformation

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Vice President (West) of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Dr. Kabir Alabi Garba, participants were reminded that digital technology has permanently changed how audiences consume news.

The Guild urged traditional media organisations to strengthen their online presence through responsive websites, mobile applications and strategic use of social media platforms.

It also encouraged publishers to use audience data and analytics to better understand reader behaviour and improve engagement.

According to the message, local media remain essential to community development by providing information on governance, education, healthcare, agriculture, security and other public services.

The Guild further encouraged collaborations between Nigerian media organisations and international partners to expand the global reach of community stories while promoting sustainable business practices.

NIJ Provost: Journalism education must prepare students for AI

Speaking on “Training the Next Generation of Journalists for Digital Innovation and Global Impacts,” the Provost of the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, said journalism education must evolve to meet the realities of today’s digital ecosystem.

He expressed concern that many young journalists are unfamiliar with Nigerian newspapers because they consume information almost entirely through digital platforms.

Reflecting on the industry’s past, he recalled that his newspaper printed more than 300,000 copies daily in 1984, compared with significantly lower circulation today.

He observed that today’s digital creators operate independently, using laptops and smartphones to report, film, edit and publish stories without traditional newsroom structures.

According to Adefaye, journalism schools must therefore move beyond conventional teaching methods.

He identified artificial intelligence as “the next thing” in journalism education and urged institutions to invest in modern studios, multimedia production facilities and digital storytelling technologies.

He also called for stronger emphasis on audience engagement, analytics and interactive journalism rather than simply transferring stories from newspapers to websites.

At the same time, he insisted that ethics, integrity and cultural sensitivity must remain central as journalism reaches increasingly global audiences.

Panel seeks stronger university-industry partnership

A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Solomon Oyeleye featured media professionals Blessing Oladunjoye, Lekan Otufodunrin and Mr. Monsor Olowosoga.

The panel argued that journalism should be taught as both a public service and a business.

According to the speakers, many journalists understand editorial work but lack the business knowledge required to manage successful media organisations.

They also highlighted the financial challenges facing independent digital publishers, including advertising, funding, user experience design and attracting long-term commercial partnerships.

The panel recommended that universities appoint experienced newsroom professionals as Professors of Practice, strengthen internship programmes and establish industrial advisory boards involving editors, publishers and media entrepreneurs.

Students were encouraged to build professional portfolios through podcasts, YouTube channels, photography, newsletters and other multimedia projects while developing expertise in specialised reporting areas and community journalism.

Industry perspective

Media analysts say the conference reflects growing recognition that journalism can no longer rely solely on traditional business models.

They argue that sustainable local journalism will require a combination of technological innovation, diversified revenue streams, entrepreneurial thinking and continued public trust.

What’s next?

Participants agreed that the future of Nigerian local newspapers will depend on their ability to combine innovation with credibility.

They said stronger collaboration between universities, media organisations, technology companies and journalism support organisations will be essential to producing reporters equipped for a digital-first, globally connected news industry.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, has paid tribute to veteran journalist and former union leader, Sadiq Martins, describing him as a dedicated professional whose commitment to journalism and unionism left a lasting mark on colleagues across Nigeria.

The tribute came on Friday during Martins’ 8th-Day Fidau Prayer, where journalists, union leaders and associates gathered to honour his life and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Why it matters

The passing of experienced journalists such as Martins highlights the role veteran media professionals play in preserving institutional memory, mentoring younger reporters and strengthening professional standards within Nigeria’s media industry.

His colleagues say his legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity, service and active participation in professional organisations at a time when journalism continues to face economic, technological and ethical challenges.

NUJ Chairman praises Martins’ dedication

Speaking during the prayer session, the Chairman of the NUJ Lagos State Council, Adeleye Ajayi, described Martins as a committed unionist whose presence at the Council’s State Congress meetings became a familiar sight.

According to Ajayi, the late journalist was “always seen occupying the front row” during congress meetings, reflecting his dedication to the affairs of the union.

Ajayi said Martins possessed exceptional knowledge of the NUJ Constitution, earning admiration and respect from journalists both within Lagos State and across Nigeria.

He added that Martins worked closely with successive chairmen of the Lagos State Council and was widely regarded as a goal-getter whose unwavering commitment inspired many within the profession.

The NUJ chairman urged journalists to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism and selfless service, saying these principles defined Martins throughout his lifetime.

Ajayi also prayed for God to grant the late journalist eternal rest while asking for comfort and strength for his family during their period of mourning.

Colleagues pay their respects

The Fidau Prayer drew members of the NUJ Lagos State Council, including Secretary Tunde Olalere, Assistant Secretary Olayide Awosanya, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel Abraham Akpabio, Vice Chairman Juliet Fanayajo, Auditor Iyabo Aina, Jaji Habibat, as well as veteran journalists Gbenga Fatile, Ayo Ojedokun and Ben Ibe.

They joined other union members in offering prayers for Martins’ peaceful repose and for God to grant his family, friends and colleagues strength, comfort and fortitude.

Industry perspective

Media observers say experienced journalists like Martins often contribute beyond the newsroom by mentoring younger reporters, defending professional ethics and supporting stronger media institutions.

His active participation in union affairs also reflects the important role professional associations play in protecting journalists’ welfare and promoting accountability within the media sector.

What comes next

As colleagues continue to mourn Martins, many within the journalism community say preserving his values of professionalism, constitutional knowledge and selfless service will be the most enduring tribute to his memory.

The NUJ Lagos Council is expected to continue encouraging members to uphold the standards that Martins championed throughout his career.

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, has named Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), as its Iconic Woman of the Month for June.

The honour recognises Alaka’s contributions to investigative journalism, press freedom and efforts to expand opportunities for women journalists in Nigeria and across Africa.

Why it matters

The recognition comes at a time when media organisations continue to face growing challenges around press freedom, newsroom sustainability and gender inequality.

Media development experts say increasing the number of women in leadership and investigative reporting can strengthen public-interest journalism and improve diversity in news coverage.

At the WSCIJ, Alaka has led programmes aimed at improving investigative reporting while promoting gender inclusion in journalism.

One of the organisation’s flagship initiatives, Report Women!, supports female journalists through training, mentorship and professional development designed to help more women take on leadership roles in newsrooms.

NAWOJ explains the honour

Announcing the award, NAWOJ Lagos Chairperson, Jumoke Falayi Johnson, said Alaka’s career reflects the values the association seeks to celebrate.

“Motunrayo Alaka is not just a leader; she is a builder of people and a beacon of integrity in the media landscape. Her dedication to fostering gender equity and mentoring the next generation of investigative journalists makes her a thoroughly deserving recipient of this honor for the month of June.”

Johnson added:

“The NAWOJ Lagos ‘Iconic Woman of the Month’ initiative is a monthly spotlight designed to celebrate outstanding Nigerian women who are taking significant strides, breaking barriers, and leaving indelible footprints in their respective fields.”

Impact on journalism

Industry observers say initiatives that recognise women leaders can encourage greater participation of women in journalism, particularly in investigative reporting, where female representation remains relatively limited in many newsrooms.

Recognition of media professionals, they add, can also inspire younger journalists while drawing attention to the importance of ethical, public-interest reporting.

Previous recipients

Alaka joins a list of distinguished women previously honoured by the initiative, including Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, Dr. Abimbola Abosede Oyetunde, Mrs. Sola Salako-Ajulo, Professor Abigail Ogwezzy Ndisika and the late Alhaja Kudirat Olayinka Abiola, who was recognised posthumously.

What’s next?

NAWOJ Lagos congratulated Alaka and expressed hope that she would continue to make significant contributions to investigative journalism, press freedom and women’s advancement in the media profession.

The monthly recognition programme is expected to continue highlighting Nigerian women making notable contributions across different sectors.