The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has released a 164-page guide titled “Leveraging Digital Tools for Journalism Practice”, aimed at equipping journalists with digital tools for reporting, investigation, and storytelling.
In a statement issued Wednesday, MRA’s Communications Officer, Idowu Adewale, said the guide provides tools that reflect the demands of journalism in today’s digital environment.
Ayomide Eweje, MRA’s Programme Officer and author of the guide, described it as a resource for journalists at all stages of the reporting process. “The publication is a necessary response to the realities of journalism in a rapidly evolving digital age,” she said.
“It offers practical, hands-on information for journalists about various digital tools to enable them effectively navigate today’s fast-paced digital environment,” she added.
The guide addresses tools for news gathering, fact-checking, cybersecurity, multimedia storytelling, audience engagement, countering misinformation and disinformation, and dealing with online harassment and surveillance.
Eweje said, “The tools, devices and platforms used in journalism have evolved at an extraordinary pace,” adding that the guide is meant to prepare journalists to respond to these changes.
She pointed out that while digital tools have expanded journalists’ ability to work and reach audiences, they also come with new risks. “These tools have introduced new layers of complexity and threats, forcing journalists to pay more attention to data privacy, online harassment, platform algorithms, and digital literacy as integral parts of their work.”
Eweje called on journalists to engage with the guide. “As journalism continues to evolve, so too must the knowledge, skills, mindsets and equipment of those who practice it,” she said. She also urged media organisations to support digital literacy training and help journalists access necessary tools.
In the guide’s preface, MRA’s Executive Director, Edetaen Ojo, noted the opportunities and risks of digital journalism. “The digital era presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges—from the ability to report stories in real time and reach global audiences, to navigating constantly evolving online threats including surveillance, hacking, misinformation, deepfakes, and censorship.”
Eweje also stated that MRA plans to distribute the guide to media organisations, journalism schools, and media development bodies across Nigeria and Africa, and will make it available on the organisation’s website.
