Media houses worldwide are facing mounting financial pressure as digitalisation transforms how news is consumed and funded.
Speaking at an engagement with business associates in Windhoek on Friday, Nangula Shejavali, on behalf of the Namibia Media Trust board, said the current model for many media houses is under real pressure.
“Digital disruption has changed how people consume information, global platforms compete aggressively for advertising revenue, and misinformation now travels fast enough to drown out carefully verified reporting,” Shejavali said.
She noted that the need for quality journalism has never been greater, adding that this is because digitalisation has allowed for anyone to publish almost anything.
“Trusted journalism becomes the place people turn to for facts instead of rumours, and accountability instead of speculation,” said Shejavali.
She said, therefore, there is a need for corporations to come on board and support media houses.
At the same engagement, The Namibian editor Johnathan Beukes announced that the newspaper will be introducing ‘Good News’ pages as part of its daily coverage.
Beukes said the pages will tell stories on good initiatives.
“There are a lot of good things being done in communities and that are happening in the country and we as The Namibian want to highlight those stories,” Beukes said.
Shejavali said it is important for news agencies to tell good stories too.
“I am very excited to hear about the introduction of the good news pages because it is important that we tell that part too,” she said.
