#2013: Channels, Sahara Reporters, Others Make Top 10 Nigerian Information Media

Humans feed on information for survival. But beyond that, information serves practical purposes and sometimes meets the entertainment needs of people. We must remember, however, that some people are responsible for providing the society with information that serves different interests. With Nigerians catching up with internet and news on-the-go, we present the 10 best news organization and platforms in 2013. Channels TV The John Momoh-owned TV station continued to lead in the broadcast section of the media industry with exclusive and explosive interviews, reports and analysis. Notable reports from the organization in 2013 includes the decay in the Nigerian Police College, which drew the attention of President Goodluck Jonathan. The station’s interview with former Lagos Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) which gave birth to the meme “Oga at the top” also increased the station’s ranking and online viewership on YouTube. Channels TV’s YouTube channel was listed among the 10 most viewed YouTube channels in 2013. TVC NEWS TVC News was quick to stamp it feet in the Nigerian media industry. Its unique style of reporting with reporters spread across Africa ensured that the news channel gave its Nigerian audience a feel of news from other countries. The station’s reports during the Egyptian crisis and several other incidents across Africa distinguished it among other Nigerian stations. Linda Ikeji Blogspot From celebrity news and gossip to politics and stories from the corporate world, popular blogger, Linda Ikeji, served Nigerians interesting information. Everyone wanted to appear on her page. Linda’s ability to use her powerful blog to get exclusive gist from the entertainment industry made sure there was no dull moment on her blog. Sahara Reporters Based in New York with reporters spread across Nigeria, United Kingdom and the United States, the investigative and citizen journalism practiced by Sahara Reporters continues to make the online news portal a favourite for exclusive news on the political scene. One of such notable reports from the site is the exclusive report of the BMW car scandal involving Nigeria’s minister of aviation. The site also launched its online television, SaharaTV in 2013. PremiumTimes Based in Abuja, the online newspaper established itself as a source of information in 2013. From exclusive reports to detailed reports, the new portal ensured that 2013 was its year. Led by investigative journalist, Dapo Olorunyomi, the site is responsible for exclusive reports like the open letter by Obansanjo to President Jonathan amongst others. The role the site played during the Nigerian Governors’ Forum election is also commendable as the site revealed an exclusive video of how the NGF election went. Punch Newspaper Regarded by some as the best newspaper in Nigeria, the Ogun State-based newspaper continued in its usual style of exclusive and human interest stories. The exclusive report on the rot in the health sector by it Saturday editor, Toyosi Ogunleye, is one for the ages. Punch’s ability to assemble some of the best opinion writers like Tunde Fagbele, Tolu Ogunlesi, and Abimbola Adelakun ensured that readers do not have a dull moment.  The newspaper’s battle with online news giant, Premium Times, over ethical practice will remain its lowest point in 2013. NET Nigerian Entertainment Today, NET, might not be the widest circulated newspaper, but its hold on the online market cannot be overlooked. Owned by Ayeni Adekunle Samuel, a journalist and public relations practitioner, the entertainment newspaper broke some of the biggest entertainment stories in 2013. Ynaija Regarded as the online newspaper for youths, Ynaija continues to deliver the news and the not-so- news to its readers. Taking up topics like relationship, sex, politics (Y-Politico) 50 bloggers for 50 days, the site remains the go-to-site for information pertaining to Nigeria’s new crop of young and enterprising leaders. Beat FM You don’t have access to the internet or you’ve just run out of browsing data? Lagos-based urban radio station, Beat FM is a popular station for news. However, the station’s concentration on entertainment news will hold its ground any day. But with exclusive interviews and music Beat FM appears to be a favourite for listeners in Lagos.