COLUMN: The Week I Had to Choose Between Money and Media Independence

-

 

Victor Olubiye during a live video coverage for The Creativity Site.

By Victor Olubiye

This week, I faced one of the most defining decisions since establishing The Creativity Site. I received offers from political groups seeking to position my platform as one of their media outlets, with promises of substantial payment for every story published in their interest.


From a financial standpoint, the proposal was attractive. For any growing media organization, such an offer could easily be seen as a breakthrough. Yet it raised a deeper question: what happens to a media platform when independence is placed on the line?


Rather than rushing into a decision, I sought guidance from experienced journalists and media professionals. Their responses were consistent. While involvement in politics remains a personal choice, they warned that allowing a media platform to become financially dependent on political interests can gradually erode its credibility.


Several cautioned that immediate financial gain often comes with subtle expectations that can influence editorial judgment. Journalism, they stressed, must ultimately remain accountable to the public, not to political benefactors.

Click on the graphic to follow us

I also spoke with a former political leader, who offered another perspective. He noted that once a media platform becomes closely associated with a political group, it risks losing long-term credibility. Even accurate reporting may begin to be interpreted through the lens of bias or allegiance.


These conversations reinforced a simple truth: while funding sustains journalism, credibility is its foundation. Public trust takes years to build but can be weakened in moments when independence is questioned.


For me, this experience was not simply about accepting or rejecting an offer. It was a test of the values I want The Creativity Site to represent. Financial opportunities will come and go, but editorial integrity, once compromised, is far more difficult to restore.

Tap the graphic for enquiries and bookings

In the end, I was reminded of a principle that every journalist must carry: an independent voice may earn less today, but it remains far more valuable in the long run.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

PROFILE: GBENGA ADEBOYE

-
Image
 By Victor Olubiye Unarguably, Gbenga Adeboye still remains the most known and widely accepted radio broadcaster in Yoruba lands, even in death. The legend was born into a Christian family on 30th September 1959, at Ode Omu, Gbongan, Osun State, Nigeria. In some of his narratives that serve as his authobiography he narrated how he had knowledge of both Islamic and Traditional religions. And this is evident in his records. Describing himself, he said that he was a man who chose to combine the three religions, i.e Islam, Christianity and Traditional together so that he would be accord special recognition in Heaven. No need for explanation as he was a man who quoted Al-Qur'an, Bible, and Oracle verses with precision, exactness, and correctness. His birth by a church general overseer regardless, it was believed that these quotations earned him the 3-1 nickname Alhaji, Pastor, Oluwo. Late Adeboye first worked as a freelance radio presenter for Radio Lagos where he used to anchor a very ...
Read more

Forecast Campaign Team Unveils Manifesto Ahead of Ekiti June 20 Polls

-
Image
An image provided by the source shows campaign-branded materials featuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, BAO, and campaign team members By Victor Olubiye The Forecast Campaign Team has unveiled its manifesto and strategic roadmap ahead of the June 20, 2026, gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, outlining what it described as a three-tier agenda focused on continuity in governance, grassroots development, and support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu. In a statement issued on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti and signed by the Director General of the campaign team, Seun Akinyele, the organization said it was mobilizing supporters across the state to secure what it described as a decisive electoral victory in the forthcoming poll. According to the statement, the campaign's agenda is built around support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's national development policies, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's administration in Ekiti State, and the legislative and community developm...
Read more

CYDAN President Advocates Grassroots Youth Inclusion as Key to Nigeria’s Democratic Future

-
Image
  Seun Akinyele: CYDAN National President By Victor Olubiye The National President of the Constituencies Youths Development Association of Nigeria (CYDAN), Seun Akinyele, has called for greater grassroots youth participation in governance, describing young Nigerians as critical stakeholders in securing the country's democratic future. Akinyele made the call in a statement outlining CYDAN's vision for youth-led development and democratic engagement across Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. According to him, Nigeria's democratic progress cannot be sustained solely through leadership at the federal and state levels but must be strengthened through active participation at the constituency and community levels. He noted that local communities remain the foundation of the country's democratic structure and argued that empowering young people to engage in governance, accountability, and development initiatives would foster long-term national growth. Foc...
Read more

NYSC Delay Crisis Rocks OSPOLY: Graduates Accuse Officials of Negligence as Futures Hang in the Balance

-
Image
NYSC logo (left) and Osun State Polytechnic, Iree logo (right). Graphic collage illustrating the ongoing NYSC mobilization concerns affecting some graduates By Victor Olubiye For many graduates of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, the joy of completing higher education has turned into months—and in some cases, nearly two years—of frustration, uncertainty, and emotional trauma over delayed mobilization for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). What should have been the next chapter in their lives has instead become a painful waiting game, as affected graduates continue to battle unresolved issues surrounding the institution’s NYSC Senate list uploads. The controversy, which has sparked growing outrage among alumni, has raised serious questions about administrative efficiency and accountability within the institution. While some officials have reportedly shown concern, others have been accused of silence, negligence, and a lack of compassion toward struggling graduates. One of the advocac...
Read more

SPECIAL REPORT (DEVELOPING STORY): Lecturers, HODs, Graduates Speak on Future of HND Holders Amid Conversion Programme Concerns

-
Image
  Illustrative image depicting the perceived academic and professional imbalance between HND and B.Sc. qualifications in Nigeria By Victor Olubiye The growing controversy surrounding the reported suspension of Higher National Diploma (HND) conversion programmes in some Nigerian universities has continued to generate reactions from lecturers, Heads of Department, graduates, and education stakeholders, many of whom fear the development may further deepen the long-standing HND/B.Sc. dichotomy in the country. This follow-up report comes a day after The Creativity Site published an exclusive feature highlighting the concerns raised by Asiyanbi Blessing, a graduate of Mass Communication from Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, who questioned the future of HND holders if conversion programmes are eventually discontinued nationwide. Following the publication, several stakeholders contacted by The Creativity Site shared differing perspectives on what the development could mean for polytechnic gra...
Read more

EXCLUSIVE FEATURE (CONCLUDING INSTALLMENT): When the Bridge Shakes — Anxiety Deepens Over Future of HND Holders Amid Conversion Programme Uncertainty

-
Image
  AI-generated illustration depicting the perceived imbalance in recognition between HND and BSc qualifications in Nigeria’s education and employment system By Victor Olubiye The future of thousands of Higher National Diploma (HND) holders in Nigeria is once again at the centre of national debate, following renewed concerns over the reported suspension of HND-to-Bachelor of Science conversion programmes in some universities across the country. What is emerging is not just an administrative question about academic pathways, but a deeper national conversation on fairness, qualification recognition, and the long-standing tension between polytechnic and university education in Nigeria. This concluding installment brings together earlier reports published by The Creativity Site, beginning with the initial feature anchored on concerns raised by Asiyanbi Blessing, an HND graduate of Mass Communication from Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, who first raised questions about what becomes of poly...
Read more

Sisters Conference 2026: “Be Builders,” Sisters President Charges Women as CPC Gathering Ends

-
Image
  Featured Image From The Event By Victor Olubiye The 2026 Annual National Sisters Conference of Calvary Pentecostal Church International (CPC) closed with a strong call to action from the Sisters President, Mrs Alaka, who urged women to return home not just inspired, but transformed and ready to build. Addressing women from across Nigeria at the end of the multi-day gathering which began on Thursday, May 30, Mrs Alaka described “The Chosen Woman” as one who is obedient and intentional about putting into practice all she has learned. Featured Image From The Event Her message was clear and direct: the true essence of the conference lies beyond the sessions, in the everyday lives of the women. She charged participants to be builders in their homes, nurturers of values, and agents of transformation in their communities, stressing that spirituality must reflect in action and visible impact. Mrs Alaka also commended the leadership of the church under the General Overseer, Rev. Dr. Johns...
Read more

FEATURE: Student Life In Osun State Polytechnic,Iree

-
Image
By Victor Olubiye If you’ve ever lived the real student life in Nigeria, then you already know — it’s not beans. And if you’ve passed through Osun State Polytechnic, Iree (popularly called Ospoly), then you’ve seen it all: the lectures, the hustle, the all-night reading, and the fun that makes it all worth it. Tucked in the rocky town of Iree, Ospoly may look like just another higher institution from afar. But ask the students, and you’ll hear stories that go beyond the classroom. Stories of survival, discovery, and growth. Let’s start with the tough part — because Ospoly student life is not for the faint-hearted. First off, accommodation wahala. Most students live off-campus in nearby areas like Small London,Igaa 2, and Ladoja. While these places are lively and close to school, the amenities can be frustrating. Think of power outages right in the middle of night reading, or heavy rains turning your path to class into a muddy obstacle course. Then comes the financial struggle. With...
Read more

When School Kidnappings Become Normal: Nigeria’s Never-Ending Security Cycle

-
Image
  AI generated image By Victor Olubiye The latest kidnapping of schoolchildren in Oyo State should have shocked Nigeria. Instead, it felt familiar. That is perhaps the most frightening part of the tragedy. Not that armed men invaded a place where children should have been learning. Not that parents were thrown into panic and uncertainty. Not even that another community was forced to confront the nightmare of waiting for news about loved ones taken by criminals. The most frightening part is that many Nigerians have seen this story before. We know the script. We have watched it play out repeatedly. First comes the news alert. Then the outrage. Social media erupts with anger. Politicians issue statements. Security agencies promise action. Hashtags trend. Television stations run special reports. Then, slowly, public attention fades away. Until another school is attacked. Until another set of parents finds itself praying for the safe return of children who left home simply to get an edu...
Read more

From Conference to Calling: CPC Charges Women to Build Homes, Lead Change Nationwide

-
Image
Participants' Jubilation By Victor Olubiye The 26 Annual National Sisters Conference of Calvary Pentecostal Church International (CPC) ended with a strong charge to women across Nigeria: move from inspiration to action and become builders of homes, faith, and society. Held from Thursday, May 30, the multi-day gathering brought together women from across the country for an intensive programme of teachings, workshops, lectures, and prayer sessions focused on spiritual growth and practical impact. Featured Image From The Event At the centre of the conversations was a clear message being “The Chosen Woman” goes beyond attending a conference; it demands obedience and application. National Sisters President, Mrs Alaka, set the tone by commending the leadership of Rev. Dr. Johnson Niyi Faboyede and Pastor Sarah Faboyede for their guidance and commitment to raising purposeful women. She described the chosen woman as one who not only receives but applies, urging participants to become trans...
Read more