First City Monument Bank (FCMB), in partnership with BHM, hosted the pilot edition of The Monetised Content Masterclass, bringing together reporters, content creators and editors to address growing pressure on the sustainability of newsrooms and media platforms.
The session comes at a time when traditional advertising revenues are declining for news publishers, even as Nigeria’s entertainment and digital media market continues to grow and is projected to reach $4.9 billion by 2026.
Against this backdrop, the masterclass focused on practical ways for media organisations, independent content creators, and digital platform owners to diversify income, build financial resilience, and sustain editorial independence and integrity.
Participants explored revenue opportunities beyond traditional advertising, including brand partnerships, digital content monetisation, and audience-led models. The one-day session featured panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and peer exchanges designed to translate industry trends into practical action.
Speaking at the event, Divisional Head, Corporate Affairs, FCMB Group, Diran Olojo, said:
“Traditional models are under pressure, and attention is more fragmented than ever. The focus now is on building structured, sustainable platforms that can deliver both impact and long-term value.”
Also speaking, CEO and Founder of BHM, Ayeni Adekunle, said: “The economics of media have changed. For journalism to remain independent, it must also become financially resilient. That shift requires new thinking and deliberate action.”
The session was moderated by Fatu Ogwuche, Founder and CEO of Big Tech This Week, and featured speakers including investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, storyteller and producer Chris Ihidero, executive and storytelling expert Jennifer Mairo, and digital media entrepreneur Peter Oluka.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment by FCMB and BHM to support the long-term sustainability of the Nigerian media ecosystem through capacity building and industry collaboration.