The Delta Online Publishers Forum has urged online media organisations to develop new sources of income and strengthen professional standards to remain financially sustainable in the face of changes in the digital media industry.
The forum said this at its 2026 Annual Conference Business Training Workshop and 6th Annual Lecture Series in Asaba on Wednesday, with the theme, “Beyond Traffic: Building Sustainable and Profitable Digital Media Businesses.”
The Chairman of DOPF, Emmanuel Enebeli, said generating traffic alone was not enough to keep online media businesses afloat, urging publishers to embrace innovation, build strong brands and improve their professional skills without compromising journalistic ethics.
Enebeli encouraged participants to learn from the facilitators, Professor Presley Obukoadata and Major Oji, expressing hope that the training would improve digital publishing and journalism in Delta State.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Stella Marculay, the state government urged publishers to prioritise credibility, accuracy and public trust.
Aniagwu said the changing digital media environment required publishers to look beyond page views and audience numbers by developing viable business models. He advised them to explore digital subscriptions, responsible advertising, strategic partnerships, multimedia storytelling and audience development to improve their financial stability.
He also warned against misinformation, disinformation and sensationalism, stressing that fairness, accountability and editorial independence remained essential to responsible journalism.
The commissioner added that the media had an important role in promoting transparency, democratic governance and public participation, while reaffirming the Delta State Government’s recognition of the media as a partner in communicating policies and development programmes under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda.
In his vote of thanks, the DOPF Secretary, Shedrack Ogaga Onitsha, thanked the facilitators, guests and participants for their support. He also acknowledged the state’s period of mourning following the death of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, noting his contributions to Delta State.
The workshop focused on practical ways to balance audience growth, ethical journalism and revenue generation to build sustainable digital media businesses.
