By Margaret John and Philip Agba
The Managing Editor of CrossRiverWatch, Mr. Jeremiah Archibong has charged intending journalists to get acquainted with Information Technology (IT) stating that “it’s a prerequisite to journalists in training and practice, it’s the future and our selling point in the New Media.”
Mr. Archibong gave the charge while receiving students of the Department of Mass Communication from the Institute of Technology and Management (ITM) Ugep, who came on an excursion trip to the CrossRiverWatch Newsroom in Calabar on Tuesday.
Receiving the students, Archibong enlightened them on the benefits and progress of online journalism using CrossRiverWatch as a suitable case study.
According to him, “CrossRiverWatch started as the first indigenous online media outfit in Cross River State as a way of getting information to the populace easier and within a shorter time span. It has grown to achieve a level of credence in the State in just 7 years since its inception and has a level of acceptability and readers trust.
“Online Journalism or the New Media has an edge over print and broadcast media because we disseminate information on the go whereby meeting the demand of urgency. Unlike broadcast media which requires heavy equipment to function or print media which deals with paper gotten from timber, Online Media is much more flexible as one can work with flexible device from any part of the world. Here in CrossRiverWatch, we deliver our news within 24 hours due to the use of IT.”
Responding to questions from the students on funding of online media outfits and widespread dissemination of information, the Managing Editor said that “CrossRiverWatch is involved in several other businesses that generate income for the firm and also offer consultancy services which come with various commissions. We also share our news content on various social media platforms to enable a wider reach which as you know can be converted to cash.”
He further enjoined the students to focus on their studies and try to carve a niche for themselves in whichever branch of journalism they choose to focus on.
Highlight of the visit was a group photograph with the students and staff of the Mass Communication Department along with the Managing Editor and staff of CrossRiverWatch.
See pictures from the visit;
Short Link:
