Invited but Not Welcome: Why Nigerian Journalists Deserve Better Treatment, by Oluwatosin Balogun

For years, journalism has battled an unfortunate stereotype that journalists are underpaid, desperate and survive on handouts.
Many parents discouraged their children from entering the profession, believing it offered little dignity or financial stability.
While the media landscape has evolved in the 21st century, a troubling reality remains: the treatment of journalists, particularly field reporters, often reflects the same outdated mindset.
Studies of newsroom economics and shrinking media resources show how the profession has faced growing pressure globally.¹
As a practicing journalist, I have witnessed the good, the bad and the deeply troubling. A recurring problem is the treatment of journalists when covering events.
Organizations often send invitations to media houses, sometimes paying considerable fees for coverage. However, when reporters and cameramen arrive, they often encounter confusion, resistance, or outright hostility from event organizers and coordinators.
Global press freedom advocates have repeatedly highlighted the importance of decent working conditions for journalists.
It’s not uncommon to hear things like, “We didn’t know the media would be here.” “No arrangements have been made for you.” “Maybe you’ll have to stay outside.”
This raises an obvious question: How is a journalist expected to produce a meaningful story without access?
Despite payments made to media organizations, journalists are often left to improvise, standing for hours, watching from afar and struggling to gather enough information to file a complaint before deadlines. While some organizations intervene quickly when problems escalate, many journalists simply have to endure the situation and “make magic” with very little.
Research on working conditions in the media confirms that journalists increasingly face poor support in the field and declining professional recognition.
Even more worrying is the perception of what journalists do. Many coordinators believe that journalists should remain standing during events, constantly filming as glorified content creators, and never sitting down. Basic access requests are sometimes interpreted as unprofessional or unreasonable.
In some cases, journalists are asked to wear nametags and t-shirts to be easily recognizable so as not to be denied refreshments because they work and therefore are not entitled to basic hospitality.
Press freedom organizations point out that professional marginalization is an often overlooked threat facing journalists around the world.
Yes, there are events where journalists are treated with dignity and respect, but too often the negative experiences outweigh the positive ones.
Seasoned professionals from print, radio and television shared stories of being ridiculed or fired while simply trying to do their jobs. The growing confusion between professional journalists and social media content creators has also been widely documented in media industry research.
I once believed that professionalism and composure would protect me from such experiences. This belief was called into question at a recent high-profile event in Lagos.
The host was gracious and appreciated the media presence. However, event coordinators insisted they were unaware that journalists had been invited. Journalists were asked to remain outside the venue and remain on their feet throughout the evening. Access was limited despite visible media tags and prior invitations.
Naturally, I was asked questions: why invite the press if they aren’t expected? How can coverage happen without access? Why create media tags if no arrangements have been made? After escalating the matter to my workplace, a new narrative emerged: I was supposedly trying to create a scene. That accusation was deeply disturbing. For the first time in my career I felt truly shaken.
Journalists are not intruders. We are professionals invited to document and amplify stories. We are partners in shaping public perception. Yet, too often, we are treated as an afterthought. Global press freedom rankings continue to highlight the importance of protecting the working environment of journalists everywhere.⁶
This experience highlights an urgent need for change. Organisations, event organizers and coordinators must be adequately trained on how to interact with the media they invite.
Respect for journalists is not optional; it is essential. Reporters and cameramen do not ask for special treatment. We demand basic dignity, access and professionalism. Because at the end of the day we are simply doing our job. And we deserve better.
Journalism is not charity work. It’s not an inconvenience. It’s not an afterthought. It is a profession and deserves dignity.

Footnotes
1. Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. Journalism, media and technology trends and predictions. University of Oxford.
2.UNESCO. Global trends in freedom of expression and media development. UNESCO Publishing.
3. International Federation of Journalists. Global State of Journalism Report.
4. Committee for the Protection of Journalists. Attacks on the press/Annual reports.
5. World Economic Forum. The future of media and entertainment.
6. Reporters without borders. Index of press freedom in the world.