As Nigeria joined the global community to mark World Press Freedom Day, it confronted critical issues such as the fight against fake news, the evolution of media accountability, and the challenges of adapting to the digital age. These dynamics are reshaping journalism, demanding a proactive approach to uphold press freedom and democratic engagement.
Dr. Ruth Oji, a senior lecturer at Pan-Atlantic University and an expert on media language, recently shared insights on these developments, drawing from her work with the Solutions and Data Journalism Academy.
Over the past five years, Nigerian media discourse has experienced a remarkable shift. There has been a transition from monologic to dialogic journalism, where audiences no longer passively consume news but actively engage with it. Research indicates that 78 per cent of Nigerian news organisations now incorporate real-time reader feedback. Social media has catalysed this change, giving rise to conversational journalism that allows readers to engage with issues interactively. In response to these changes, hybrid newsrooms have emerged, with 65 per cent of Nigerian journalists producing content for both traditional and digital platforms to reach wider and more diverse audiences.
Social media’s transformative impact on journalism language is evident. Headlines are now crafted to be shareable on platforms like Twitter, adopting a conversational and engaging tone that boosts audience interaction by up to 92 percent. Traditional journalism has also adapted by shortening paragraphs and incorporating multimedia elements such as videos and graphics to capture and retain reader attention. These innovations have ensured that traditional media remains relevant in the digital-first era.
The digital age has also democratised media discourse, empowering individuals alongside institutions. Citizen journalism now accounts for 30 per cent of breaking news, with 82 per cent of viral stories originating from individual users and 40 percent of traditional media content sourced from social media. This decentralisation has enabled ordinary citizens to shape narratives, but it also presents challenges in maintaining credibility and trust. In this context, communication theories like pragmatics—the study of how context influences meaning—become vital. Pragmatics examines factors such as tone, body language, and cultural norms, offering tools to enhance understanding and authenticity in communication.
Pragmatic analysis plays a crucial role in combating fake news, particularly with the rise of AI-powered tools capable of detecting misinformation. These tools achieve accuracy rates of up to 87 per cent by analysing linguistic markers such as urgency cues, emotional language, and verification prompts. Phrases like “Please RT for visibility” or “Can anyone else confirm?” can be pragmatic indicators of potential misinformation. By scrutinising context and linguistic patterns, pragmatic analysis can significantly curb the spread of fake news and foster a more reliable media environment.
Journalists today face significant challenges in navigating this evolving landscape. The race to publish quickly often compromises accuracy, as verifying sources requires time—a luxury in a highly competitive environment. Additionally, adapting to digital platforms while maintaining cultural sensitivity in global reporting demands constant upskilling. These pressures underscore the need for journalists to continuously refine their skills and approaches to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry.
Looking ahead, Nigerian media language is poised for further transformation. Dr. Oji predicts a rise in the hybrid use of Nigerian Pidgin and English in mainstream media to cater to younger audiences who favour blended languages. Micro-content formats, infographics, and multi-modal storytelling will dominate, replacing traditional text-heavy formats to improve engagement. AI tools will play an increasing role in content creation, enabling journalists to craft stories more efficiently. At the same time, efforts to preserve indigenous languages will gain prominence, fostering a balance between global connectivity and cultural heritage—a concept Dr. Oji describes as “glocal” storytelling.
The future of Nigerian journalism will be shaped by its ability to innovate while safeguarding the principles of accuracy, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity. As World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder of the critical role of free and accountable media in a democracy, stakeholders must commit to fostering a media space that is both resilient and forward-looking. As Dr. Oji aptly put it, “Combat fake news, or be consumed by it.” This call to action underscores the responsibility of media professionals and citizens alike in shaping a credible and innovative future for Nigerian journalism.
•Oji is an applied linguist at the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos