OOPA to train members on Economics of Press Freedom in the Digital Media Space

In a bold step toward repositioning the practice of journalism for the digital age, the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA), has announced a one-day digital media workshop: “Beyond the Barrier: The Economics of Press Freedom in the Digital Media Space" for its members.

The workshop, which comes at a critical time when the sustainability of independent journalism faces increasing financial constraints, aims to equip digital publishers, citizen journalists, bloggers, and media entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge required to thrive amid economic adversity.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Comrade Abioye Tosin Lawrence, the workshop is described as “a timely intervention to engage the real challenges and reposition digital media professionals toward brand building, sustainability, and ethical responsibility in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.”

 “The economy is not friendly, especially for those striving to maintain the tenets of ethical journalism in this fast-paced digital age,” Lawrence stated. “Under the current leadership of Mukhtar Ajelogbon, OOPA has made tangible strides in strengthening unity and professionalism among online publishers. However, we are now focusing on a broader paradigm shift, ensuring that digital media practitioners are not only heard but economically empowered to survive and thrive.”

The workshop which is billed for Thursday July, 24th 2025 in Osogbo will spotlight issues such as:

•The economic impact of press freedom in the digital space

•Sustainable monetization models for independent publishers

•Brand building in an attention-deficit era

•Digital ethics and responsibility

•Amplifying community voices through credible journalism

At the heart of the discussions will be the recognition that freedom of the press is meaningless without economic freedom, especially in a digital media environment that is both saturated and underfunded. Participants will explore how to bridge the gap between passion and profitability while staying committed to journalistic integrity.

Mukhtar Ajelogbon, the OOPA Chairman, reiterated the Association’s commitment to capacity building.

“We must evolve from simply reacting to digital trends to actively shaping them. This workshop is not just about survival; it’s about dominance through innovation, ethics, and strategic thinking,” he noted.

The digital media workshop is expected to attract practitioners from across Osun and beyond, including resource persons, media entrepreneurs, and policy stakeholders. It will serve not only as a training ground but also as a platform to foster collaboration, build new networks, and redefine the future of online journalism in Nigeria.

In a media landscape often stifled by economic hardship, political pressure, and dwindling trust, the OOPA’s initiative is a refreshing call to action, a call to look beyond the barriers, and build a media ecosystem that is as resilient as it is free.

Further details about the workshop will be released as the OOPA executive and the planning committee continue with preparations.