Journalism is not a luxury. It is a lifeline. Today, as the world marks World News Day, Nigeria must confront a stark reality: without strong and independent public interest media, our democracy is on borrowed time.
For decades, the Nigerian press has stood tall — fighting for independence, resisting dictators, and giving voice to the voiceless. But that proud tradition is under siege. Newsrooms are shrinking, advertising revenue is drying up, and social media giants are swallowing the market while spreading misinformation unchecked. Many journalists now work in near-impossible conditions, yet they remain the last line of defense against corruption and abuse of power.
This is not just a media crisis. It is a national emergency. A weak press means weak accountability. A weak press means citizens groping in the dark, fed by rumors instead of facts. A weak press means corruption grows bolder, and democracy grows weaker.
Nigeria must act. The NUJ, civil society, businesses, and government must rally behind public interest journalism. We need new funding models, bold investment, and clear policies that protect media freedom. Supporting journalism is not charity — it is a smart economic choice. Countries with strong independent media attract investors, build trust, and develop faster. Those without pay the heavy price of instability.
On this World News Day, let us be clear: starving the press is starving democracy. Nigeria cannot afford that. Investing in public interest media is investing in truth, in accountability, and in our collective future.
— Trill Times News Editorial Board