DIGITAL SHIFT THREATENS NEWSPAPERS, NEWSROOM JOBS – NIJ PROVOST

The Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Dr. Jide Johnson, has warned that the rapid digital transformation in the media industry poses serious threats to traditional newspapers and newsroom employment.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos on Tuesday, Dr. Johnson noted that many print media houses are struggling to survive amid declining circulation and advertising revenue.

“The shift to digital platforms is inevitable, but it is unfortunately leading to massive job losses in newsrooms across the country,” he said.

He called on media proprietors to invest heavily in digital skills training for journalists and explore sustainable revenue models for online content.

The NIJ provost also urged the government to provide enabling policies that support traditional media’s transition without collapsing the sector entirely.

Participants at the forum stressed the need for journalism training institutions to revise curricula to meet current industry demands, emphasising multimedia skills, data journalism, and audience engagement strategies.

Industry experts predict further downsizing in print newsrooms if urgent steps are not taken to address the challenges