The former Deputy Managing Editor at Premium Times, Ini Ekott has unveiled his latest media venture, Pluboard.
The start-up aims to revolutionise journalism, particularly in the realms of economy and business reporting, by placing people at the core of content creation, information dissemination, and accountability.
The platform which began publishing content in late February, just days before the 2023 presidential election, unveiled its full site, featuring additional sections. While its team of volunteer writers focuses on economy and business, politics, security, environment, and technology; areas the company believes directly impact people’s lives.
According to him, “For too long, news has focused on the influential and newsmakers, neglecting the real issues that affect everyday people. Our goal is to bring back those vital issues in an unflinchingly honest manner while fulfilling our primary duty of informing and helping people comprehend the world around them.”
Ekkot emphasised that Pluboard will deliver content in multiple formats, including video offerings, and will strive to simplify news delivery. “The platform targets an audience in Nigeria and beyond who possess sufficient knowledge to consume information effectively.”
He added that the company’s name reflects its mission: “Pluboard is derived from “Plural Board,” symbolising a platform centred around people, the diverse range of issues that impact them, and the multiplicity of information products on offer.
“We are interested in what others are following, but more importantly, we are interested in what they are not.”
While explaining the deliberate writing style of the articles, Ekott said Pluboard’s reporting approach has garnered attention due to its distinct article structure.
“Most news stories adhere to the “Plu-print,” which includes sections such as “Key points to note,” “Why this matters,” and “Learn more.” Exclusive and major reports will feature a summary paragraph emphasising their relevance to the public. This deliberate writing style cuts to the chase and acknowledges readers’ limited attention span”
READ ALSO: ‘How to maximize opportunities by media support organisations’
“In addition to traditional news coverage, Pluboard will deliver innovative extras, including explainers, how-tos, price intelligence, and product reviews, with the intention of monetising such content. It aims to provide Nigeria’s first dedicated coverage of consumer issues and how corporate policies impact them.
“Pluboard will initially operate as a free, ad-supported media site, gradually transitioning into a subscription-based service. This move allows the platform to maintain a sustainable business model while providing quality journalism to its audience,” the Editorial Director for the publication stated.
Ekott is an alumnus of Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa and was honoured as the best financial journalist in the Ghana cohort. He has also received accolades including the Wole Soyinka investigative reporting award and the Global Integrity researcher award.
