By Dare Akogun
Sobi FM Ilorin has been selected alongside News leaders from 17 countries to build a stronger, more resilient media outlets through Elevate, ICFJ’s news business hub.
The hub, in its second year, will support a cohort of 20 small- and medium-sized independent news organizations that provide vital reporting to their communities on everything from human rights and gender to local news and politics.
Participants hail from across the world, including Nigeria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Ukraine, Venezuela and other countries where journalists face numerous difficulties in addition to funding challenges.
Through Elevate, participants will identify the biggest business obstacles in the way of growth and will innovate to overcome them.
The hub provides intensive training, mentorship and funding, equipping news leaders with skills and knowledge around four key areas: business strategy, operations and finance, technology and new media, and communications and marketing.
“A lack of financial stability presents a threat to independent media wherever they operate, and that’s why ICFJ is focused on building more resilient news operations,” said ICFJ President Sharon Moshavi.
“The new Elevate cohort is a fantastic group, often working in difficult circumstances, to serve their communities with much-needed, accurate reporting. We’re proud to help them deliver meaningful journalism longterm.”
