Worried by the severe impact of current economic realities, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has warned that the media sector is in distress, forcing many outlets to shut down and others to struggle with paying workers’ salaries.
NGE President Eze Anaba delivered this urgent message at the opening of the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Abuja on Wednesday.
The Guild also called for the repeal of laws that inhibit press freedom.
The theme of the conference is, “Democracy, Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors”, held at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja.
He lamented that the closures worsen unemployment by flooding the labor market with displaced media workers.
However in response to the crisis, the Guild called for the repeal of laws that inhibit press freedom.
Furthermore, Anaba solicited legislative and executive assistance to ensure media viability, specifically asking for a corporate tax relief period of about 10 years.
The NGE boss also called for tax exemption, the establishment of low-interest loans for the media, and a digital transformation and innovation fund.
Anaba also suggested a Media Freedom and Safety Charter to protect journalists from the hostile environment.
Editors representing a wide spectrum of media organizations—including digital platforms, radio, television, newspapers, and magazines—are currently brainstorming at the Abuja conference, according to Persecondnews.
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