By Temitayo Akinyemi
NAMIP Media AdvisorThe DW Global Media Forum 2024, held in Bonn, Germany, on June 17-18, brought together global media professionals, policymakers, and thought leaders to explore solutions for fostering stronger democracies and sustainable media ecosystems. Under the theme Sharing Solutions, the event provided a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in media. NAMIP made its mark with a panel session focused on media sustainability, featuring representatives from three Nigerian organizations: TV360, Omalicha FM, and Women Radio.
A Grand Opening: Day 1
The first day of the forum set the tone with musical performances, inspiring speeches from leading journalists like Maria Messa, and welcome addresses from DW representatives and government officials. While NAMIP had no speaking engagements on the opening day, its participants attended breakout sessions exploring media’s role in strengthening democratic institutions.
These sessions provided attendees with valuable insights into emerging trends in content creation, audience engagement, and technology integration. They also allowed NAMIP representatives to connect with media professionals from around the world.
Photo Credit: MDIF – NAMIP
NAMIP’s Panel: “The Rough Road to Impact”
Day 2 saw NAMIP take center stage with its session titled The Rough Road to Impact: How to Keep News Outlets Going. Moderated by Fred Muvunyi of DW, the panel showcased the experiences and resilience of Nigerian media leaders navigating the challenges of sustainability in the media landscape.
The session featured Angela Agowaike of Omalicha FM, Toun Okewale Sonaiya of Women Radio, and Deji Bademosi of TV360, who shared their strategies for building sustainable media outlets in Nigeria. They delved into topics such as adapting to new technologies, expanding audience reach, and fostering innovative revenue models.
A Global Conversation
The session resonated with a packed audience of journalists, media professionals, and industry stakeholders. Attendees engaged actively, posing questions about the operational models of the Nigerian outlets and seeking insights into replicable strategies. The discussion extended until the last moments of the session, underscoring the global relevance of the panel’s themes.
NAMIP’s panel stood out as a powerful example of how local media outlets are innovating to sustain their operations in challenging environments.
Looking Ahead
The DW Global Media Forum 2024 reinforced NAMIP’s mission to support sustainable media development in Africa. The forum provided a valuable opportunity to spotlight the work of its cohort members while fostering cross-border collaboration and learning.
By sharing their stories on a global stage, NAMIP participants demonstrated how African media organizations are tackling challenges head-on and charting a path toward financial resilience and broader audience engagement.
The event not only elevated the profiles of NAMIP’s participants but also strengthened connections with international media professionals, paving the way for future collaborations.