By Mary Agidi

Are newsrooms struggling to retain talents? This was the focus of discussion during a journalism and society conversation forum on X Space, organised by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, where key voices in journalism and media development addressed the challenges affecting the growth and sustainability of investigative journalism in Nigeria.

During the conversation, experts in the Media profession called for an urgent overhaul of newsroom management practices to foster an enabling environment for investigative journalists and retain top talents in the media industry.

In her welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, Mrs. Motunrayo Alaka, emphasised that investigative journalism requires dedicated professionals with strong ethical values. She lamented the dwindling commitment of potential investigative reporters, attributing it to a lack of support from media management.

According to her, many of great minds in the newsrooms are involved in too many other things, not because they want to, but because the newsroom no longer provides the needed support. How do we attract change? How do we retain great minds? Asked Alaka, as she emphasised the urgent need to sustain  standard in journalism, which ultimately translates to a sustained democratic society.

Echoing similar concerns, Mr. Lekan Otufodurin, Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, decried the poor attitude of media organisation leaders towards the welfare of journalists. He noted that the evolving digital landscape now offers journalists more options, making it difficult for media houses to retain or attract new talents.

“Unlike the past when journalists stayed longer in one organisation, today, it is hard to find and keep talents,” he said. “Newsroom management must listen to staff and move away from outdated, rigid styles. There should be profit-sharing practices and more freedom for staff to contribute ideas.” He added.

Also speaking, Victoria Bamas, Editor at the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, pointed out that the rigidity of traditional journalism has eased, but unfavourable working conditions still discourage full-time newsroom engagement.

“Flexible work arrangements, competitive pay, career growth opportunities, and adequate rewards for hard work are critical to retaining talents,”, adding that organisational upgrade must include staff welfare and continuous skill development.

From the regulatory angle, Simon Sunday, Assistant Manager, New Media at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, identified politicisation of newsroom operations and biased promotion processes as major issues.

“Continuity has been lost due to political interference,” he said. According to him, human resources decisions must be independent and free from undue influence by the management, while calling for fairness and objectivity to guide assessments of staff.

Adding her voice, Amaka Okoye, West Africa Correspondent for DW News, recommended that newsrooms establish clear structures where every staff member knows their responsibilities, enjoys job security, and feels trusted to deliver.

According to the experts, creating a conducive, fair, and empowering newsroom culture is vital for sustaining the integrity and impact of investigative journalism in Nigeria.