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ASABA — The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has urged online publishers to move beyond chasing page views and traffic figures to building financially sustainable and profitable digital media businesses capable of surviving in an increasingly competitive digital environment.

The forum said publishers must embrace innovative revenue models, strengthen their brands, develop professional skills and explore new business opportunities without compromising journalistic ethics, credibility and editorial independence.

DOPF Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli, made the call on Wednesday at the forum’s 2026 Annual Conference Business Training Workshop and 6th Annual Lecture Series in Asaba, Delta State, held under the theme, “Beyond Traffic: Building Sustainable and Profitable Digital Media Businesses.”

Enebeli said generating traffic remained important to online publishing but was no longer sufficient to guarantee the survival and growth of digital media organisations.

He stressed the need for publishers to build media businesses that were not only influential and visible but also financially viable, professionally managed and capable of generating sustainable revenue.

The chairman urged participants to take advantage of the workshop to acquire relevant knowledge and practical skills that would improve their operations, enhance their competitiveness and strengthen the future of digital journalism in Delta State.

He expressed optimism that the facilitators, Professor Presley Obukoadata and Professor Major Oji, would provide valuable insights to help participants navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital media industry.

In his goodwill message, the 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, described the conference theme as timely, given the changing dynamics of the digital media landscape.

Aniagwu commended DOPF for promoting professional journalism, responsible digital publishing, public accountability and constructive engagement on issues affecting society.

He said online publishers must look beyond page views and audience numbers to build credible organisations capable of creating sustainable economic value while maintaining public trust and professional standards.

According to him, the success of a digital media organisation should be measured not only by the size of its audience but also by the quality of its journalism, its adherence to ethical principles and its capacity to sustain its operations financially.

 

To achieve this, he encouraged publishers to explore strategic partnerships, digital subscriptions, responsible advertising, multimedia storytelling and audience development as ways of diversifying revenue streams and reducing financial vulnerability.

The commissioner also emphasised the media’s role in strengthening democratic governance, transparency and public participation, noting that accurate reporting and objective analysis enable citizens to understand government policies and make informed decisions.

He reaffirmed the Delta State Government’s recognition of the media as a vital partner in communicating government policies and development initiatives under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda.

Aniagwu, however, urged online publishers to resist misinformation, disinformation and sensationalism, stressing that accuracy, fairness, accountability and editorial independence must remain central to their operations.

He expressed confidence that the conference would produce practical recommendations for improving online publishing, strengthening professional standards and promoting a healthier information environment.

In his vote of thanks, DOPF Secretary, Mr Shedrack Ogaga Onitsha, appreciated 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 the late leader as a figure whose contributions to the state would be remembered.

He thanked participants for attending the workshop despite the circumstances.

The conference underscored the growing need for online publishers to treat digital journalism not merely as a platform for disseminating news but also as a business that requires sound financial planning, innovation, strategic audience development and diversified income sources.

It reinforced the position that sustainable digital publishing depends on balancing audience growth with credible journalism, sound business practices and the ability to generate sufficient revenue to support professional news production and organisational growth.