By Samuel Ogude
The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has urged online publishers to adopt strategies that will strengthen the financial sustainability, credibility and professional standards of digital media organisations rather than focusing solely on generating website traffic.
The charge was made during the Forum’s 2026 Annual Conference, Business Workshop and 6th Annual Lecture Series, held on Wednesday in Asaba, Delta State, under the theme, “Beyond Traffic: Building Sustainable and Profitable Digital Media Businesses.” Delivering his welcome address, DOPF Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, said the future of digital journalism depends on building media organisations that are not only influential but also financially viable and profitable.
According to him, while audience traffic remains important, it is no longer sufficient to guarantee the survival of online media platforms. He urged publishers to diversify their revenue streams, embrace innovation, strengthen their brands and continuously develop professional skills without compromising journalistic ethics and integrity.
Enebeli encouraged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the workshop, expressing confidence that the knowledge shared by facilitators, Professor Presley Obukoadata and Major Oji, would contribute significantly to the growth of digital media practice and professional journalism in Delta State.
In his goodwill message, the Delta State Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, represented by the Functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Mrs. Stella Marculay, commended DOPF for promoting responsible digital publishing, professional journalism, public accountability and constructive engagement on issues affecting society.
Aniagwu described the conference theme as timely, noting that the rapidly evolving digital media landscape demands that publishers move beyond page views and audience numbers to build credible, resilient and financially sustainable media organisations. He stressed that the true measure of media success should include the quality of journalism, public trust, adherence to ethical standards and the ability to create lasting economic value.
The commissioner further highlighted the critical role of the media in promoting democratic governance, transparency and public participation, explaining that accurate reporting and objective analysis enable citizens to better understand government policies and make informed decisions. He reaffirmed the Delta State Government’s recognition of the media as a strategic partner in communicating policies and development initiatives under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda.
Aniagwu also urged online publishers to intensify efforts to combat misinformation, disinformation and sensationalism by upholding accuracy, fairness, accountability and editorial independence. He advised media organisations to strengthen their financial resilience through strategic partnerships, digital subscriptions, responsible advertising, multimedia storytelling and audience development. Expressing optimism about the outcome of the conference, he said the deliberations would produce practical recommendations capable of strengthening professional standards, improving online publishing and fostering a healthier information environment.
Earlier, in his vote of thanks, DOPF Secretary, Mr. Shedrack Ogaga Onitsha, expressed appreciation to the Special Guest of Honour, facilitators, invited guests and participants for their support and attendance.
Onitsha also acknowledged the state’s period of mourning following the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing him as a visionary leader whose contributions to the development of Delta State would remain unforgettable. He thanked participants for honouring the invitation despite the prevailing circumstances. The conference Business Training Workshop of the conference concluded with a renewed commitment by participants to build digital media businesses that balance audience growth with credible journalism, innovative revenue generation and sustainable business practices.
