Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, National President of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG), has raised the alarm over what he described as the steady decline in professional standards among online media practitioners, warning that the credibility and value of digital journalism are under serious threat.
Speaking at the Guild’s monthly congress in Abuja, Otiti urged editors and publishers to place greater value on their profession by embracing ethical journalism, professionalism, and sustainable business practices.
He lamented that many online media practitioners, in their pursuit of visibility and website traffic, have undermined their own profession by publishing stories supplied by individuals and organisations without proper editorial scrutiny or adequate remuneration.
According to him, the growing practice of offering editorial services for free has continued to weaken the credibility of online journalism and diminish the value of media professionals.
“Many editors and publishers have sold themselves too cheaply simply because they want to promote their blogs. Media practice is a profession that demands investment, experience, and credibility. When someone writes a news story for you to publish without any professional editorial input, it raises questions about the value you place on your own expertise,” Otiti said.
He argued that journalism deserves the same level of respect accorded to other professions, stressing that professional services should not be expected at no cost.
“You pay legal fees before a lawyer represents you in court. You pay before receiving medical attention at a hospital. Why should professional media practitioners be expected to provide their services free of charge? If we fail to place value on our work, no one else will,” he added.
Otiti also condemned what he described as the growing culture of excessive praise-singing by some online publishers, saying many spend significant time promoting individuals who neither know them nor appreciate their efforts.
> “It is unfortunate that some media practitioners spend their time promoting personalities who do not even have their contact details or know they exist. Such practices diminish the dignity of journalism and weaken the economic foundation of the online media industry,” he lamented.
He called on members of GOMEP-NG and the wider online media community to uphold editorial independence, strengthen ethical standards, and adopt sustainable business models capable of restoring public confidence in digital journalism.
Reaffirming the Guild’s commitment to responsible journalism, Otiti said GOMEP-NG would continue to champion professional development, ethical media practice, and improved welfare for online editors and publishers across Nigeria.
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