Media practitioners have been recognised over time, as the 4th estate of the realm, remaining indispensable in any viable society.
However, wages for journalists has been a persistent issue worldwide, affecting many countries including Nigeria.
Interestingly, the risk associated with other professions with bogus salaries are also inherent in journalism practice, coupled with total lack of incentives and the issue of poor wages.
Sadly, Poor wages and low rating of the profession in Nigeria has led to brain drain, locally known as Jakpa, compromised quality, increased bias, decreased accountability, and unprofessional traits among practitioners.
The need for a new salary structure for journalists through legislation is therefore timely.
This move will not only boost the morale of practitioners but will economically upgrade their living standard, as many of them work round the clock without commensurate pay packages.
In pursuit of this noble dream, factors needed to be considered include, the establishment of a national minimum wage for media practitioners, strengthening of unionization and collective bargaining rights, enforcement of fair labour standards including overtime pay and benefits.
Also worthy of consideration is the repealing of the journalists welfare act, media industry regulation act and the National Broadcasting Commission Amendment Act.
If these Acts are objectively scrutinized, it will pave way for the setting up of a minimum salary for journalists, salary scale, benefits, overtime pay, freelance protection, training and development, as well as dispute resolution.
Another critical area of concern upon promulgation of this law, is for media workers in public and private firms to enjoy an independent Journalists welfare Commission, conduct of regular wage surveys to ensure compliance, foster industry wide collective bargaining, routine capacity development for journalists and media outlets.
By enacting and enforcing comprehensive media laws, Nigeria can improve journalists’ wages, working conditions and overall wellbeing.
In conclusion, achieving the dream of a unified living wage for journalists is a great task.
Key stakeholders such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, the Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union RATTAWU, Media Owners Association of Nigeria, National Assembly, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Labour Unions and Civil Society Organization must therefore synergize to make it a reality.
It is hoped that this move if achieved will bring about objectivity, professionalism, transparency and best practices in journalism profession in Nigeria.
EJIME UDUEME writes from Abavo in Delta State
