Media should pay their writers and not the other way round

In the world of professional journalism, a critical and often overburdened aspect of ethical practice is the relationship between the media and its contributors. Traditionally, the core principal understanding has always been that media outlets pay writers for their intellectual contributions, whether they are in the form of feature stories, opinion articles, or investigative reports. Writers are professionals who invest time, effort, and resources into producing content that informs, entertains, or educates readers. Their work is the backbone of journalism and the primary commodity of media organizations. Unfortunately, this foundational principle appears to have come under the hammer by a disturbing trend in some parts of the world, including Nigeria.

Yesterday, I submitted a feature article titled "The soul of Nigeria and the future of its democracy" to Nigeria's Daily Post for publication. Over the years, I had contributed articles to Daily Post which included "A blessing in disguise", "Who is killing Biafra?", "Truth, spoken to Authority", "Imo Assembly: they have a long way" among others that were duly published. But yesterday, one of their staff, Ogaga Ariemu, informed me that the new policy of the Daily Post was that writers like me (with 50 years experience in journalism) should pay a whopping N150,000 to have my article published.

I was miffed to learn that Nigeria's Daily Post had now adopted a practice where contributors are required to pay the medium for their articles to be published, regardless of the quality or societal relevance of the message conveyed in those writings. This reversal of roles, where writers are turned into paying clients rather than compensated professionals, is not only unethical but also strikes at the heart of genuine journalism. It undermines the integrity of the profession and creates an environment where critical voices may be silenced, and the free flow of ideas curtailed. Simply put, the practice of charging writers for publication is detrimental to journalism, the writers, and society in its entirety.

The management of respected national media like the Daily Post should appreciate the fact that professional writing is a demanding discipline that requires skill, creativity, and dedication. Journalists and writers often invest years honing their craft and developing their unique voices. Writing for a newspaper or media outlet is not merely a pastime, it is a legitimate profession that deserves fair compensation. Writers often engage in thorough research, conduct interviews, and fact-check information to ensure their work meets professional standards. These efforts deserve recognition and monetary reward, as they contribute directly to the quality and credibility of the news media publication. And so, when media organizations pay writers, they acknowledge the value of the time and expertise that go into producing quality content.

By reversing this principle and requiring writers to pay for publication, media organizations trivialize the profession. They send a dangerous message that writing is not worth paying for, thereby undermining the value of intellectual labour in a world where misinformation and poorly sourced content are already disturbingly rampant.

Journalism, as a profession, is guided by a set of ethical principles that include accuracy, accountability, and fair and balanced judgment. There is no moral justification for these principles not being applied to how writers are treated. It is inherently unfair to expect writers to pay to have their work published, especially when their contributions form the foundation of the media outlet's content. In a nutshell, this practice creates a double standard where media organizations profit from advertisements and readership generated by the writers' work while offering nothing in return to the writers themselves. Ethical journalism is about mutual respect and responsibility, and this includes fair treatment of contributors. Anything less, undermines the profession's credibility.

When media outlets charge writers for publication, they inadvertently lower the quality of the content they produce. A pay-to-publish model shifts the focus from content quality to financial capability. Writers with less expertise but deeper pockets are prioritized over those with valuable insights and experience. This creates an environment where the marketplace of ideas is no longer free and competitive but is instead governed by financial transactions. The result is a dilution of quality, with substandard articles making it to print while compelling, insightful pieces are sidelined simply because their authors cannot afford to pay. Journalism thrives on diversity, objectivity, and critical thinking. A media landscape dominated by pay-to-publish practices undermines these principles, creating a space where the loudest voices are not the most knowledgeable but the wealthiest. That is a dangerous trend in a country like Nigeria that is critically wrestling with democratic governance.

In line with that, one of the most dangerous consequences of requiring writers to pay for publication is the silencing of critical voices. Journalism plays a crucial role in holding power to account, challenging societal norms, and amplifying marginalized voices. By introducing a financial barrier to entry, media organizations effectively exclude contributors who might challenge the status quo or provide unique perspectives that could benefit society. Writers from underprivileged backgrounds, minority groups, or grassroots movements may find it impossible to afford publication fees. This creates an echo chamber where only the perspectives of the affluent are heard, further entrenching societal inequalities. Genuine journalism cannot thrive in such an environment, as it requires the free exchange of ideas and the inclusion of diverse viewpoints.

It is important to remember that media organizations rely on the content produced by writers to sustain their operations. Articles attract readers, drive web traffic, and generate advertising revenue. Without compelling content, there would be no audience and, consequently, no revenue. Given this dynamic, it is only fair that media organizations compensate the individuals who produce the content that sustains their business. By refusing to pay writers and instead charge them for publication, these organizations exploit writers' labour as they reap the financial benefits of their work.

The pay-to-publish model also erodes public trust in the media. Readers expect media outlets to be impartial and objective, to curate content based on its relevance, accuracy, and importance. When publications prioritize paid contributions over quality journalism, they compromise their integrity and credibility. Why a respected medium like the Daily Post chose to walk this deadly path has to be explained by someone.

The shift has already started creating scepticism among readers, who have begun to question whether the content they now consume is genuinely informative or merely the result of financial transactions. Trust is the currency of journalism, and practices that undermine it do a disservice to both the media and its audience. And by the same token, a pay-to-publish system increases the risk of misinformation and biased reporting. Writers who pay for publication may prioritize their own agendas, pushing narratives that serve personal or commercial interests rather than the public good. Media organizations, in turn, may become less vigilant in fact-checking and editorial oversight, as their financial interests take precedence over their journalistic responsibilities. This creates fertile ground for misinformation, propaganda, and unethical practices to thrive, with potentially harmful consequences for society.

While it is true that many media organizations face financial challenges in the digital age, charging writers for publication is not a sustainable solution. Instead, media outlets should explore alternative revenue streams, such as subscription models, crowd funding, or partnerships with advertisers that do not compromise editorial integrity. By prioritizing quality content and maintaining ethical practices, media organizations can build loyal audiences and establish themselves as trustworthy sources of information. Paying writers fairly is not just an ethical obligation but also a sound business strategy that contributes to long-term sustainability.

In the long run, compensating writers is an investment in talent and innovation. By paying contributors, media organizations attract skilled professionals who bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and expertise to their work. This enhances the quality of the publication and ensures its continued relevance in a competitive media landscape. Conversely, a pay-to-publish model discourages talented writers who cannot afford publication fees or refuse to compromise their principles. This stifles innovation and limits the growth of journalism as a dynamic and evolving profession.

On a final note, paying writers is also about upholding their dignity as professionals. Writing is a labour-intensive process that deserves recognition and respect. Expecting writers to pay for publication diminishes their worth and devalues their contributions to society. Journalism is a noble profession that serves as a cornerstone of democracy and social progress. Treating writers with the respect they deserve is essential for preserving the integrity and purpose of journalism. The practice of requiring writers to pay for publication, as exemplified by Nigeria's Daily Post, represents a troubling departure from the ethical principles that underpin genuine journalism. The policy will undermine the profession, silence critical voices, and compromise the quality and integrity of media content.

Media organizations must recognize that writers are the lifeblood of journalism and should be compensated for their work. By paying writers fairly, media outlets uphold the dignity of the profession, foster trust and credibility, and ensure the continued relevance and sustainability of journalism in a rapidly changing world. At a time the truth is increasingly under threat, ethical practices in journalism have become more important than ever. Therefore, paying writers is not just a matter of fairness, it is a commitment to the values that make journalism a vital and respected institution in society and I think that frontline Nigerian media like the Daily Post should be more into championing the integrity of the journalism profession. They should look towards creating other respectable avenues of making the money they need to sustain their operations.