“No Democracy Without Independent Media” — Kole Shettima Calls for Sustainable Journalism in Nigeria
By Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha
Founder And Editor -In-Chief
Kanempress Digital Hub
31st July 2025
In a powerful call to action, Dr. Kole Shettima, Country Director of the MacArthur Foundation, has urged Nigerian media organisations to prioritize financial independence as a foundation for democratic growth and accountability.
Speaking at the Media Sustainability Conference held in Abuja on Wednesday organized by the Nigeria Media Innovation Program (NAMIP) and the Daily Trust Foundation, with support from the MacArthur Foundation, Dr. Shettima made it clear: “There can be no successful democracy without an independent, financially stable media.”
The conference, themed “Future-Proofing Nigeria’s Journalism, A Sustainability Dynamic,” drew together journalists, editors, media entrepreneurs, and policy advocates to confront the mounting financial and operational challenges facing newsrooms across the country.
Independence Begins With the Purse
Dr. Shettima emphasized that editorial independence is deeply tied to financial autonomy. “You can’t think about having intellectual independence if you don’t also have financial independence. The two must go together to make our country a better place for democracy to thrive,” he said.
He pointed out that many Nigerian media houses are dangerously dependent on a single source of funding, whether family-owned, government-supported, or reliant on limited ad revenue. This, he warned, makes them vulnerable to external pressures and undermines their ability to hold power to account.
“A truly independent media must have multiple, sustainable streams of income,” he stressed.
Media: The Fourth Pillar of Democracy
While democracy is often described as standing on three legs, the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary, Dr. Shettima reminded participants of the often-forgotten but essential fourth pillar: the media.
“Independent journalism is not a luxury,” he said. “It is essential. It ensures transparency, gives voice to the voiceless, and strengthens democratic culture. Without it, the other pillars are weakened.”
Dr. Shettima also lamented the global decline of local journalism, with many communities now existing in “news deserts” places where no local media outlets remain to report on critical civic issues.
Solutions and a Way Forward
Highlighting the MacArthur Foundation’s Press Forward initiative, Dr. Shettima shared how the Foundation is working with global partners like the Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) to equip media organisations with tools for survival: training, investment, and innovation support.
He praised several Nigerian media outlets that are beginning to break the cycle of dependency by experimenting with alternative revenue models, including audience memberships, events, partnerships, and digital subscriptions.
“I hope this project has planted seeds that will blossom into a culture of sustainability,” he said.
A Call to the Private Sector
Dr. Shettima didn’t stop at media houses. He called on the Nigerian private sector and philanthropists to step in.
“The media is not just a business. It is an investment in public service, in our democracy, and in the future of our country,” he declared. “Upholding the rule of law, accountability, and democratic values benefits all of us, regardless of industry or background.”
Although unable to attend the conference in person, Dr. Shettima’s message resonated strongly with attendees and set a tone of urgency, hope, and responsibility.
As Nigeria’s media industry grapples with fast-changing economics, political pressures, and digital disruption, the conference served as a much-needed rallying point for stakeholders determined to keep the lights of independent journalism burning.
His final words were a challenge and an invitation: “Let the partnerships and lessons from this conference outlive the event. Let them build a media ecosystem that is resilient, independent, and truly Nigerian.”
