Women journalists have been urged to more innovative in their practice of the profession and explore opportunities offered by new media.
The call was made by speakers at the fourth edition of Women in Journalism Africa Conference, (WiJ2017) the yearly gathering of women in the media held in Lagos on July 6, 2017
With the theme, “Pioneers, Innovators and the Brave New World,” the 2017 edition of the program featured wide ranging discussions from diverse fields, including three panel sessions.
Founder and Conference Director , Yomi Owope in his opening address explained that this year’s edition was organised to “help participants better understand the nature and consequences of the changes taking place around them and how they can remain at the forefront of a profession that is today driven by technology.”
The keynote speaker was Anthea Garman, a professor of journalism and media studies at Rhodes University in South Africa.
Other speakers and panelists at WiJ2017 were Judith Okonkwo, Ikechukwu Obiaya, Toun Sonaiya, Stephanie Busari, Teju Ajani, Rich Tanksley, Doja Allen, Colette Otusheso and Dr. Anderson Emegbo. Preliminary discussions centered on how technology is redefining not just the practice of journalism but the entire media industry.
The panel on innovation examined the importance of leaders of organizations driving innovation that will continue to make them relevant into the future. The last session was the pioneers panel which spoke to women leaders in the media, exploring some of the qualities that unite them.
The high point of the conference was the presentation of five awards to honorees for their outstanding work in their chosen fields.
The co-founder of Channels Television Mrs Olusola Momoh and CEO of Ebony Life TV, Mo Abudu bagged the Pioneers Award.
Three WiJAfrica Star Awards for Innovation were presented to Toun Okewale Sonaiya of WFM, Lady Maiden Ibru of the Guardian Newspapers and Accelerate TV represented by its boss, Colette Otusheso.
