“The internet cannot kill newspapers” – ThisDay publisher, Nduka Obaigbena, says
By Kayode Badmus
The end to the debate over whether, or not, traditional newspapers will die is nowhere in sight.
The advent of the internet and the challenges it poses to traditional media like newspapers and magazines is a source of concern to stakeholders.
One of the people who should be worried about the growing trend says he does not see the internet, or new media, pushing traditional media to total death.
Nigerian media mogul and founder of Thisday newspapers, Nduka Obaigbena, maintained that print media will always be a force in communication no matter how big new media get.
Obaigbena may need to worry less as the online version of his print edition is doing pretty well.
Speaking at the first edition of The RED Summit during a forum moderated by Beat FM OAP, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Obiagbena posited that print journalism has stood the test of time.
He said:
During the advent of radio, it was predicted that print was on its way to extinction but it stood the test of time. Same thing for the era when television was developed, now people are saying the same thing about new media. I know print will again survive this threat.
A lot of print publications have been closing shops. The cost of churning out the papers is too high compared with relatively cheaper internet publication costs, media entrepreneurs know.
Only days ago, Ayeni Adekunle who publishes Nigeria’s frontline entertainment newspaper, NET, disclosed that the medium will soon stop its print version.
The online platform TheNETNG has over time become a major source of news for Nigerian entertainment lovers.
Recently, Lagos-based newspaper PM News also shut down its print edition.
Experts say more will follow.
