Lockdown: Nigerian journalists write Buhari,solicit financial bailout for media

The leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) has written President Mohammed Buhari to save the media from collapse, in view of the ravaging coronavirus,stressing that media organisations are daily being asphyxiated as a result of the economic downturn occasioned by the pandemic.

Penpushing reports that, letter titled,’Convulsions in the media industry’ signed by the National President of the union,Chris Isiguzo told Buhari that, the body of journalists was constrained to write the appeal in view of the worisome development in the country

‘We write to extend the highest esteem of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the warmest consideration of its National Executive Council. We are constrained once again to write this letter to Mr President, appealing for urgent intervention to save the media industry from collapse’, Iziguzo wrote

.

The National President noted that, the social duties of journalists in the country include the advancement of the right to freedom of expression, access to information, freedom of the press, media independence, conflict transformation and peace building.

Penpushing further reports that, Isiguzo emphasised that,these are prerequisites for open governance and development, the fight against corruption among others, which ultimately serve the public interest.

‘Your Excellency, there can be no freedom of expression and freedom of the press where journalists work under precarious situations and are exposed to poverty and fear. Media organisations are daily being asphyxiated as a result of the economic downturn occasioned by the Covid 19 Pandemic’

Penpushing also reports that, the union explained that, the role of the media in national development has become more elaborate and clearer, more than ever before, despite the little funds available to them because of shrinking advertisements, and high cost of operations.

The leadership pointed out that  media houses can no longer comfortably pay these costs and offset staff salaries and emoluments,adding that, it is instructive to note that without the media, the coronavirus crisis could have gone completely out of control by now.

‘Your Excellency, it is pertinent to draw your attention to these ugly developments and request for the urgent intervention of the Federal Government to arrest this dangerous trend. Specifically, we appeal for financial bailout for the media industry through the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) and the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria for privately owned media organisations in the country’.

‘Sir, this is a crisis situation of monumental proportion and we plead for your urgent intervention to avert a catrostophe. While thanking Mr President in anticipation, you will once more accept the assurance of our cooperation at all times, please.

Penpushing reports that, the union forwarded copy of the letter to President of the Senate, National Assembly, Abuja, Speaker of the House of Representatives, National Assembly, Abuja, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Minister of Information and Culture..