Recorded live at the African Women in Media (AWiM)2025 Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this special episode of the Her Media Diary Podcast takes a timely look at the future of local media and journalism in Africa, with a particular focus on the MacArthur Foundation’s On Nigeria Programme.
This episode brings together powerful voices working at the intersection of policy, community accountability, and grassroots journalism to unpack why investing in local journalism is essential for democracy, accountability, and social change, especially in conflict-affected regions.
This conversation features three outstanding women whose work is shaping Nigeria’s media ecosystem:
- Fatima Mohammed Ahmed, Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Gombe State
- Dr. Adaobi Obiabunmuo, Programme Manager and founding member, Progressive Impact Organisation for Community Development (PRIMORG)
- Oluwadara Ajala, Programme Manager, Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF), West and East Africa
Together, they explore the realities of local journalism in Nigeria, especially in regions affected by conflict, trauma, and systemic underinvestment. The discussion highlights the courage of women journalists working under cultural constraints, safety risks, and limited resources, while still serving as trusted voices within their communities.
Also Stream: Bringing Rigour to African Journalism with Stephanie Busari
Fatima speaks to the importance of trust-building between journalists and communities recovering from violence, while Adaobi underscores how local journalism gives voice to marginalised populations and holds duty bearers accountable. Their insights ground the conversation in lived experience and community-centred practice. Oluwadara Ajala challenges the long-held assumption that audiences will not pay for quality journalism. Drawing on examples such as Daily Maverick’s membership model, she makes a compelling case for audience revenue, community ownership, and diversified funding models as pathways to long-term media independence.
The panel also examines the role of philanthropy in strengthening local journalism without compromising editorial independence, and how strategic community engagement can deepen impact while protecting journalistic integrity.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Live from African Women in Media 2025
00:43 Meet the Panel: Three Voices from Nigeria’s Media Ecosystem
02:00 Why Local Journalism Matters: Personal Perspectives
06:07 The Role of Philanthropy in Strengthening Local Media
07:39 Real Change on the Ground: Impact Stories
10:29 Journalism in Conflict Zones: The Borno State Experience
13:42 Critical Skills and Resources for Local Journalists
19:58 The Kigali Declaration: Addressing Gender Violence in Media
21:11 Tools and Training That Make a Difference
23:08 Measuring Impact: Does Media Support Actually Work?
25:07 MacArthur Foundation’s Impact in Northern Nigeria
28:42 Challenges Despite Support: Sustainability and Government Restrictions
30:30 Media Revenue Models: Beyond Advertising
41:27 Collaboration Without Compromising Independence
45:04 Radio vs Social Media for Accountability Campaigns
46:50 Advice for Young Journalists Driving Accountability
48:20 What Donors Underestimate in Northern Nigeria
49:30 Future Opportunities: Community-Centered Journalism
50:41 What Gives Us Hope: Closing Reflections
52:27 Closing Remarks: Investing in Nation-Building
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Interested in joining a future episode of Her Media Diary? Email: yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com
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Her Media Diary is produced by African Women in Media (AWiM), and this episode is sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation.
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