The Step-Up for Women in Journalism Initiative (SWIJ) has urged journalists to embrace emerging tools and storytelling formats to remain relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

The Team Lead of SWIJ, Ann Godwin, gave the charge during a workshop organised for female journalists in Port Harcourt recently. She observed that in a profession driven by deadlines, breaking news, political pressure and intense public scrutiny, retreats provide an opportunity for journalists to pause, reflect, learn, heal and strategise.

According to her, a well-rested journalist thinks more clearly, writes more sharply and reports more responsibly. She urged media professionals to prioritise their mental health and ensure that lessons acquired translate into measurable impact in the newsroom.

Godwin further stressed the need for continuous skill upgrades, noting that the media ecosystem is being reshaped by artificial intelligence, data journalism, multimedia storytelling and audience analytics.

Also speaking, Mr Sunny Dada, Mass Media and Information Management Coordinator at Search for Common Ground Nigeria, underscored the urgency of upscaling skills to keep pace with emerging technologies and digital interventions. He noted that social media platforms, bloggers, influencers and citizen journalists have altered the news environment, with many stories now breaking first on digital platforms.

Dada maintained that while journalists are distinguished by professional training and legal recognition, failure to adapt to digital trends could render them redundant. “If you do not upscale, over time you will become redundant. Digital tools can help journalists produce stories within ethical thresholds and build trust with audiences,” he warned, urging practitioners to understand the dynamics of digital platforms and deploy appropriate tools to create and amplify their stories.

Similarly, Dr Ngozi Omojunikanbi of the Faculty of Communication, University of Port Harcourt, encouraged journalists to harness the opportunities presented by the digital age. She observed that digital platforms offer wide audience interaction and instant feedback, though not without challenges. Omojunikanbi advised journalists to continually upgrade their skills, attend relevant conferences and adopt platforms that align with their professional goals.

In her presentation, titled, ‘Journalism Practice Beyond Survival, Growth and Per-diem: An Appraisal of Entrepreneurial Journalism,’ Dr Ijeoma Tubosia, Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, called on journalists to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset to thrive amid industry disruptions.

Tubosia noted that dwindling revenues in traditional media organisations have led to job losses, urging journalists to explore alternative income streams, invest in wealth-creating assets and develop an ownership mentality.

She emphasised that entrepreneurial journalism goes beyond financial survival to innovation and self-actualisation, stressing the importance of continuous learning, adaptability and integrity.

Participants expressed delight over the retreat, described it as well insightful.