Journalists, content creators and editors have begun to rethink how they earn, as pressure grows on traditional newsroom income in Nigeria. This came into focus during the pilot edition of The Monetised Content Masterclass, hosted by First City Monument Bank (FCMB) in partnership with BlackHouse Media (BHM).
The one-day session brought together reporters, editors, creators and digital platform owners to discuss how to build sustainable income beyond newsroom salaries without weakening editorial independence. The session was held at a time when advertising revenue continues to decline for many publishers, even as Nigeria’s entertainment and digital media market is projected to reach $4.9bn by 2026.
Participants discussed income opportunities beyond traditional advertising, including brand partnerships, digital content monetisation and audience-led revenue models. Speaking at the event, Divisional Head, Corporate Affairs, FCMB Group, Diran Olojo, said media professionals must build platforms that can survive the changing digital economy.
“Traditional models are under pressure, and attention is more fragmented than ever. The focus now is on building structured, sustainable platforms that can deliver both impact and long-term value,” he said.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of BHM, Ayeni Adekunle, said journalism must become financially stronger to protect its independence. “The economics of media have changed. For journalism to remain independent, it must also become financially resilient. That shift requires new thinking and deliberate action,” he said.
The session featured panel discussions, question-and-answer sessions and peer exchanges aimed at turning industry trends into practical steps for media workers. It was moderated by Fatu Ogwuche, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Big Tech This Week. Speakers included investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo; storyteller and producer, Chris Ihidero; executive and storytelling expert, Jennifer Mairo; and digital media entrepreneur, Peter Oluka.
Organisers said the initiative reflected a shared commitment by FCMB and BHM to support the long-term sustainability of the Nigerian media ecosystem through capacity building and industry collaboration.
