Championing Journalism Innovation: Prof. Akintunde Akanni's Impact
Who is Prof. Akintunde Akanni?Prof. Akintunde Akanni (often referred to as Tunde Akanni) is a Nigerian academic and media expert.
He serves as an Associate Professor of Journalism and Development Communication at Lagos State University (LASU), where he has held roles such as Acting Head of the Department of Mass Communication. His work bridges academia, media practice, and policy advocacy, with a focus on enhancing media's role in democracy, development, and innovation in Nigeria and Africa.
Akanni is also a board member of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing journalism through technology, training, and fact-checking initiatives.
What is the "Media Intervention" Associated with Prof. Akanni?The term "Prof Akintunde Akanni media intervention" likely refers to Akanni's broader contributions to media policy reform, advocacy, and innovation in Nigeria, particularly his efforts to counteract regulatory overreach and promote ethical, technology-driven journalism.
This is not a single formalized program but a series of targeted actions, publications, and leadership roles aimed at intervening in media challenges like censorship, digital adaptation, and professional development. His interventions emphasize protecting press freedom while leveraging tools like artificial intelligence (AI) for sustainable journalism.Akanni's work can be understood through three key pillars:Advocacy Against Restrictive Media Regulations:In 2021, Akanni co-edited a critical publication titled
The NBC Code: From Regulation to Strangulation, alongside Lanre Arogundade of the International Press Centre (IPC). This book dissects the excesses of the National Broadcasting Commission's (NBC) amended Sixth National Broadcasting Code, arguing that it shifts from legitimate regulation to stifling media operations.
Key critiques include:Provisions that penalize "user-generated content" (UGC) embarrassing to individuals or government (Section 5.6.1), seen as a threat to free expression.
Requirements to disclose anonymous sources (Section 5.6.5), violating protections under Nigeria's Freedom of Information Act.
Mandates for broadcasters to sub-license content to competitors, potentially discouraging investment.
At the book's launch in Lagos, Akanni described the code as "inconsistent with democracy," urging its urgent revision to align with the principle that "democracy is oiled by a free press." This intervention mobilized media stakeholders, scholars like Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, and civil society to pressure the NBC for reforms, highlighting how overregulation undermines accountability journalism.
Promoting Media Innovation and Digital Adaptation:As a CJID board member, Akanni has championed initiatives to integrate AI and digital tools into African journalism, addressing the sector's vulnerability to technological disruption.
During CJID's 10th anniversary events in 2024, he advocated for training young talents from universities on AI tool development, reinforcing CJID's role in upskilling journalists. He emphasized that media organizations must move beyond "bystander" status in the AI era, or risk irrelevance.
In a 2025 workshop for the Association for Communication Scholars and Practitioners of Nigeria (ACSPN), Akanni warned: "The world will not wait for us. If we fail to catch up, we risk being irrelevant in the very profession we built with so much sweat and sacrifice." This reflects his interventionist approach to fostering resilience through education and collaboration, including partnerships with funders like Dr. Kole Shettima's network.
Broader Impact on Journalism and Development:Akanni's interventions extend to opinion pieces and public commentary, such as his 2024 article praising CJID's "resilience in developmental strides," which underscores media's twin role in innovation and societal progress.
His academic research explores online activism's influence on political knowledge among Nigerian youth (e.g., during the 2023 elections), showing how diverse digital sources mediate activism's effectiveness in building awareness.
Significance and LegacyAkanni's media interventions are proactive responses to Nigeria's media landscape challenges—government clampdowns, digital divides, and funding shortages. By blending scholarship, policy critique, and practical training, he positions media as a tool for democratic accountability and development. His efforts have influenced discussions on press freedom and inspired organizations like CJID to scale AI-focused programs across Africa. For those interested in deeper dives, follow him on X (@AkintundeAkanni
) or explore CJID's resources.
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