Dr. Eze described Nigerian aviation journalists as among the most robust and respected in Africa. He noted that agencies like ICAO, IATA and AFRAA monitor industry developments through Nigerian media reporting.
BY ANTHONY OMOH
Aviation Editor of ThisDay Newspaper, Dr. Chinedu Eze, has emphasized the crucial media impact on airports, stressing the need for improved collaboration between aviation stakeholders and journalists to foster growth and maintain public confidence.
While delivering a presentation titled Media Impact on Airport Business Growth at the 10th Airport Business Summit and Expo (ABSE) 2025, held at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Dr. Eze noted that publicity remains a powerful driver of perception and investment in the aviation sector.
He opened his address by quoting Joseph Pulitzer: “Publicity, publicity, publicity is the greatest moral factor and force in our public life.” According to him, this principle holds true in today’s aviation environment where accurate information shapes outcomes.
Dr. Eze described Nigerian aviation journalists as among the most robust and respected in Africa. He noted that agencies like ICAO, IATA and AFRAA monitor industry developments through Nigerian media reporting. He also cited praise from former Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, who commended Nigerian reporters for their technical knowledge and professionalism.
Over time, aviation journalism in Nigeria has evolved significantly. Dr. Eze pointed out that reporters are now seen as stakeholders rather than mere news hunters. They now apply informed judgment when covering incidents, choosing accuracy over sensationalism.
He observed that phrases like “120 Passengers Escape Death” are now mostly found in reports written by those outside the aviation beat. This, he argued, is evidence of the professional maturity within aviation media circles.
Furthermore, Eze noted that the role of journalists extends beyond reporting—they shape perceptions, protect reputations and can influence passenger confidence and business decisions. He stressed that collaboration between airport operators and the media is vital for shaping positive narratives.
Referencing airport management consultant Ahmed F. Hamouda, he emphasized the value of engaging the public through well-coordinated media relations. He said agencies like FAAN should regularly brief the media, share verified updates and offer access to data that help the public understand operational realities.
However, Dr. Eze acknowledged the challenges aviation reporters face. One major issue, he said, is self-censorship. He cited Cipuri (2015), noting that while it can help prevent panic, self-censorship can also limit transparency when taken too far.
He illustrated this with a past incident involving a former aviation minister who exaggerated a routine missed approach. The resulting media panic, he explained, was mitigated by aviation journalists who provided accurate interpretations to calm public fear.
Moving to the digital space, Dr. Eze warned that social media now plays a powerful but risky role in shaping perceptions of air travel. He cited a 2025 study that revealed over 92 percent of aviation-related posts on Nigerian social media were negative.
He recalled an incident where a new airline encountered turbulence, which led to viral social media videos and emotional exaggerations. Journalists had to intervene swiftly to correct the narrative and explain the technical facts, proving again the essential media impact on airports.
Despite their efforts, reporters still struggle with several barriers. These include delays in official responses during crises, poor access to operational data and hesitant spokespersons who lack the capacity to handle sensitive aviation communication.
Eze lamented that most reporters rely on unofficial sources because agencies either ignore requests or respond too slowly to be relevant. He stressed that this undermines credibility and gives room for speculation to spread.
He offered several recommendations to bridge this communication gap. First, he called for the appointment of informed spokespersons who understand agency operations. Second, he urged prompt responses to journalist inquiries, especially during emergencies. Third, he advised airlines and agencies to issue timely statements on incidents rather than wait for reports to surface. Lastly, he recommended that agencies adopt digital communication tools to share real-time updates and manage their image effectively.
Dr. Eze concluded by urging stakeholders to view media practitioners as partners in industry growth. He said both sides must work together to build a transparent and responsive aviation ecosystem.
His remarks at the ABSE 2025 summit reignited industry-wide discussions on the media impact on airports, especially in an era where public perception increasingly drives travel behavior and regulatory decisions.
Advertisement
