…At US Consulate, Channels Academy workshop
By Enyeribe Ejiogu
Chief Executives of major media houses in Nigeria yesterday commenced a weeklong workshop in Lagos, during which they would learn best practices and brainstorm on new directions for leading their organizations into an era growth as emerging technologies redefine the operational landscape.
The special workshop holding under the aegis of the U.S Speaker Program and organised by the Channels Academy with support from the United States Mission in Nigeria will feature the President and CEO of Philips Strategic Insights, Stacia Philips as the principal resource person, will end on Saturday, May 10.
In a statement, the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S Consulate General in Lagos, said the workshop with the theme, Journalism Innovation and Sustainable Media Business, “aims to equip media leaders with the skills to foster resilient, financially sustainable newsrooms across Nigeria.”
It also noted Philips is an award-winning former senior media executive with over 30 years of experience, who played a pivotal role in shaping the editorial, strategic, and creative cross-platform direction at ABC News where she served as executive vice president. While at the outlet, she also oversaw business development and operations for their radio division. Prior to that, Philips worked at CNN as the director of news planning and coverage.
Philips will lead intensive two-day workshops in both Abuja and Lagos sharing insights from the US media industry with leading media CEOs (managing directors, editors-in-chief, and executive editors) on various topics which include “how to lead through disruption, explore innovative business models, grow engaged audiences, diversify revenue streams, and plan for effective leadership succession.”
Through panel discussions, breakout groups, and interactive sessions, the U.S. Speaker Program will equip 100 Nigerian media leaders with the practical tools needed to navigate the dynamic media landscape in an era of changing business models and operating environments.
Expressing her feelings about the workshop, Philips said: “I couldn’t be more excited about my first trip to Nigeria, especially as we gather to tackle the critical issues shaping the future of our industry. No matter where we are in the world, no matter the size of our newsroom or the medium we work in, we’re all facing many of the same challenges – from rapid technological shifts and the rise of AI to the disruptions of a digital-first world and the ever-evolving media landscape.”
U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Julie McKay noted that a free and independent media is vital for a healthy and resilient democracy. She explained that the overacting goal of the programme is to advance ongoing efforts aimed at improving access to credible, accurate, and reliable information for citizens by promoting the business sustainability of independent newsrooms.
General Manager of the Channels Academy, Kingsley Uranta, highlighted the timeliness of the workshop and how it aligns with the Academy’s mission to strengthen the editorial independence of Nigerian news outlets.
“As media executives face growing pressure from operational and commercial pain points, this workshop offers timely and strategic guidance on how to navigate the challenges,” Uranta noted.
“At Channels Academy, we are committed to equipping leaders with the knowledge to safeguard editorial independence and preserve journalistic integrity and survival.”