THE importance of the social media space, for media practitioners, was again brought to the fore, recently, in Lagos,, at a media summit organized by the Dangote Group, in collaboration with the Folio Media.
Tagged ‘Media Convergence’, the one-day workshop, which had the crème de la crème of the nation’s media practitioners in attendance, was designed to underscore the need for practitioners, desirous of remaining relevant in the industry, to continually be abreast of latest developments in the industry, especially the ones induced by technology.
The resource persons at the workshop stressed the importance of the social media space, especially how it can enhance journalism, adding that such space is too strategic to be left unoccupied.
For instance, while delivering his presentation, at the event, the Faculty Lead, Dr. Uche Nworah, stressed the need for the modern-day media practitioners to up the ante, regarding their editorial, administrative and technology skills.
According to the seasoned marketing communications practitioner, unlike what obtained in the past, the time has come for media journalists to have an ‘helicopter view’, of the operations of their organizations to enable them positively impact the bottomline of such organizations.
He noted that the changing media terrain, as a result of technology, has made it imperative for practitioners, and organizations, in the media space to jetisson the idea of working in silos, and work as a team.
“Every organization has its different departments and units, and each unit has its objectives. This is where the idea of having an helicopter view of your organisation’s operations comes in. Besides being an editorial staff, you will be able to know how other departments feel and think. That is one of the ways you can help the organization achieve its objectives,” the former Chief Executive Officer, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), stated.
He also counseled practitioners on the need to network and always maximize opportunities when such present themselves.
Media career development specialist, Lekan Otufodunrin, in his presentation, stressed the need for media practitioners to make their presence felt on the social media; since it provides huge opportunities for them.
The former Online Editor at The Nation Newspaper also warned that popular media practitioners that still refuse to imbibe the social media culture, stand the risk of having their identies stolen on the internet space.
“If you are not there, impostors will be there to steal your identity. They will create accounts which you, yourself, are oblivious of, for you, because of the strong brand that you are and begin to defraud people with such accounts,” he argued.
While also harping on the need for practitioners to be tech-savvy, multiple award-winning multimedia journalist, Mrs. Adesola Ayo-Aderele, advised journalists on the need to constantly upload rich and exclusive contents that will drive readers to their sites.
Adesola, who was speaking on the topic, ‘Profitable Digital Platforms Management’, also harped on the need for practitioners to keep developing themselves, while also leveraging some monetization tools, such as video editing, Adobe Photoshop, Web Management on the net to make money.
Explaining the rationale for the seminar, the Group Head, Corporate Communications, Dangote Group, Mr. Tony Chiejina, described the one-day workshop as one of the company’s ways of giving back to a critical stakeholder, the media.
He added that the Group, which has its tenctacles in some other African countries, such as Senegal, Liberia and others, is presently embarking on economic emancipation of the continent.
“We believe solving Africa’s problems requires us as Africans to prove to the whole world that we can be up and doing. And that is exactly what we are doing with our different brands.
While expressing the Group’s delight at the quality of attendance, he however charged practitioners present to train the younger ones on the need to observe the ethics of the profession.