Mainstream media houses and journalists have been advised to leverage on social media and digital technology to keep up with their younger audience.
The call was made by a panel of discussants at the Journalism and Society Conversation hosted on X space by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) on August 6, 2024.
Assigning Editor of TVC, James Asuquo highlighted the importance of traditional media incorporating digital technology such as AI, social media platforms and infographics in their delivery of news content that will catch and hold the attention of young people.
He also suggested publication and broadcast of relatable content, shortened format and data reports.
The Deputy Editor, International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) Fidelis Mac-Leva implored traditional media to diversify their contents and also partner with social media influencers and other alternative media sources to create engaging news contents.
“The language of these contents should be trendy and laced with humour to make it of interest to the younger audience,” he said.
Another speaker, Blessing Fowowe a sport journalist with 32FM emphasized the need for mainstream media to tackle misinformation and the spread of fake news in the society as this has made the younger audience lose their trust for credibility in the traditional media.
He said mainstream media should not lose their standards in trying to “catch the attention” of Gen’Zs, adding that mainstream media should venture into areas like microblogging and podcasts to help grow their fan page and audience stats.
Other attendees at the conversation included, Executive Director, Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin, veteran broadcaster, Mrs Bimbo Oloyede and other journalists, students and other stakeholders.
