Punch Newspaper poaches Vanguard Online Editor
In what appears to be a major media coup, the Punch Newspapers has snapped up the Online Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, John Abayomi, who is rated as one of the most enterprising online editors in Nigeria. Abayomi has already resumed as Punch’s Online Editor.
The move is seen by observers as a huge step by Punch to shore up its digital credentials and bridge the online gap between it and Vanguard which is rated in as the most innovative online newspaper in Nigeria. Vanguard has over the years been applauded for its dexterity and consistency in digital media.
His recruitment comes as part of efforts by Punch management to reposition the online publication and make it more commercially viable at a time when newspaper sales in Nigeria is at best abysmal and has continued to decline.
Although Punch is reputed to be highest selling newspaper in Nigeria, its sales figure, which of course is shrouded in secrecy, is nothing to write home about. This is a strong reason for the newspaper’s decision to strengthen it online base for improved profitability.
Unfortunately, while the traditional newspapers have seen declining profit over the year owing to poor sale, online newspaper and blogs like Lindaikeji.blogspot.com, bellanaija, premiumtimesng.com, pulse.ng, naij.com and many other online platforms are reporting huge annual profit.
Last years Linda Ikeji, founder of the popular Lindaikejisblospot.com was said to command a networth of more than N1.1billion. Needless to say that her annual profit is way higher than several traditional newspapers put together.
She charges up to $8000 ( about N2million) a month for specific ad spaces on her blog, she handles Public Relation services for the most premium brands in Nigeria and even for government agencies.
This details are what has inspired Punch to poach Abayomi, who is a 2002 graduate of University of Agriculture. Abayomi bagged a Masters of Arts degree in New Media & Society, Communication and Media Studies from University of Leicester UK in 2014.
He also holds International Broadcast Presentation certificate and Broadcast Journalism from Radio Nigeria Training School, Lagos. He has also served on a volunteer basis as Project Manager for Global Editors Network.
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