The Institute of Media and Society (IMS), as a partner of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria-Phase II (EU-SDGN II) project’s component 4, on Oct 10 -12, 2022 organized a comprehensive 3-day training and orientation on broadcast media monitoring. This training aimed to equip media monitoring staff with essential skills, knowledge, and performance indicators necessary for effective monitoring of media content.
Recognizing the media’s influential role in shaping public perception through its reporting, the training emphasized the importance of empirical-driven media monitoring. This intervention aimed to provide continuous information and engagement platforms to enhance professionalism, inclusivity, promotion of public interest, and related matters within the electoral process. Additionally, the training explored previously unexplored areas such as press freedom and the safety threats faced by journalists in covering electoral events.
Training and Objectives:
The training took place in Lagos from October 10-12, 2022, with a diverse group of 21 participants, including 10 monitoring staff. These individuals acquired comprehensive knowledge, understanding, and skills necessary to effectively carry out monitoring activities. The training expanded their understanding of the broadcast media industry, its essential role in the democratic process, and the significance of holding media accountable to their societal roles. It further emphasized the crucial role of media in keeping the public informed and contributing to democracy. Participants gained valuable insights into the media monitoring process, including tracking, documenting, and evaluating media performance. Equipped with essential tools, they are now prepared to fulfill their monitoring duties effectively.
Achieved Goals:
By the end of the training, the following goals were successfully accomplished:
- Enhanced Understanding: Participants developed a deeper understanding of the broadcast media industry and its dynamics.
- Significance of Media Roles: Knowledge and appreciation of the essential and significant roles of media in the democratic process were broadened.
- Public Information: Reinforced the importance of the media in keeping the public well-informed and actively engaged in the democratic process.
- Media Monitoring Process: Improved comprehension of the media monitoring process, including tracking, documenting, and evaluating media performance.
- Monitoring Staff Roles: Increased knowledge and understanding of the roles of monitoring staff in the overall monitoring process.
- Effective Tools: Enhanced familiarity with the necessary tools and techniques for carrying out monitoring activities efficiently.
- Strengthening Professionalism: Contributed to the ongoing process of strengthening media professionalism by empowering monitoring staff to engage in tracking, documenting, and evaluating media performance.
Notable Participants:
The training boasted esteemed attendees such as Dr. Wole Oladapo, Miss Damilola Agbaje, and Prof. Ayo Ojebode, among others. Their expertise and valuable contributions further enriched the training experience.
Conclusion:
The broadcast media monitoring training and orientation organized by IMS as part of the EU-SDGN II project showcased a dedicated effort to enhance media accountability and professionalism. Equipping monitoring staff with the necessary skills and knowledge, the training emphasized the influential role of the media in the democratic process. By monitoring media content and holding them accountable, this initiative contributes to a more informed and participatory democracy in Nigeria.
Cross section of Participants at the event
