Adeniyi Kunnu, is a household name in Nigerian media industry. He’s a celebrated broadcaster, versatile communicator and an international political development expert.
A very busy person. However, Mr. Kunnu found time out of his busy schedule to share his experience in journalism with Prompt News. Read the excerpts below:
No doubt, you are a celebrated broadcaster. How did your journalism journey start?
It was close to two decades ago when I first joined the services of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in Ikoyi, Lagos. Before my entry into the public broadcast platform of Nigeria, I had written as a contributor to a number of magazines and been on television on a couple of times as well.
However, it was in mid-2000. I had always been a radio connoisseur even if it’s not wine, radio felt like the red liquid in a bottle and I poured out often to drink from the glass. As I was saying, I was listening to the radio on that fateful day and I heard about open auditions for presenters which was scheduled to hold at the BH – Broadcasting House as we called it, and I went there on the day of the audition. I will not forget that I was number 18 on a list of 118 persons who came for auditions. The manager for Metro FM who auditioned me then was Mr. Alaoma Nwaogbe while Mrs. Ndidi Osaka was the General Manager of Metro Fm back then. Notably it was Mr. Abiodun Atoyebi of blessed memory, whose alias was Atila. He was the Director Lagos Operations back then and gave myself and 12 others who succeeded after the auditions be hired. We were a total of 13 persons from 118.
What drives your passion for journalism and public affairs commentary and what motivates you to continue engaging with various topics and issues?
God made me realised my gifts early and I nourished my interest along the same lines. Interest coupled with unfazed passion are core motivations for my embrace of journalism. If i am not in government, I can always bring attention to germane issues in political leadership. That’s the picture that had always pervaded my mental space, from my childhood, I have been using words to provide clarity. In my pre-teen years at Gospel Believers Mission in Marine Beach, Lagos I was always answering questions, participated in drama and won prizes. In my teenage years at Deeper Life Bible Church, Owujobi, Cassidy in Okokomaiko, I was a consistent prize winner in church quizzes. At (Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo, I was the best debater at the Department of English. As the former National Vice-president of the Students of English and Literature in Nigeria, it was the words uttered at the conference in Ife, OAU which birthed my being unopposed. Even when I was appointed spokesperson to a presidential candidate of a political party, it has always been about words for solution.
So, it is a realty of my duty to proffer solutions through words. In respect of engaging various topics and issues, it is the sustained passion and daring to do journalism differently. In these times, journalism has been given different meanings because almost all adults seem to have a platform or the other, so, the cutting edge knowledge of the issues, knack for research, being deliberate and intent on giving value, knowing and drawing the lines of familiarity between politicians and myself, while reminding that i have a duty to keep power mongers and transient holders in check for the ultimate good of my people, my country, my continent and the world.
How do you prioritize empathy, understanding, and fairness in your work?
This is a most important question and that moved me away from certain officialdom in my responses. this will be what I call a quintuple of Adeniyi’s prioritization. The first is Active listening … it is particularly important to me that I listen intently, especially as a Broadcast Journalist. A lot happens extempore that is tied to active listening or the consequence could be disastrous. Being straight jacketed is another thing that I avoid a lot. To achieve balance, I consider different perspectives. an important third Patience and Respect. our levels of competence differ; therefore, it behoves me to daily respect those i work with and be patient. On a fourth note, I prioritize accuracy and clarity, while continuous learning is for me the most important fifth.
Can you describe any particular stories or interviews that have had a significant impact on you personally and professionally?
Yes, and a resounding affirmation here. Three persons, books and teachings. Dr Mike Murdoch, Dr Myles Munroe and African-American Neurosurgeon Benjamin Carson. The books of the latter rubbed off on me a great deal. I have read three of his books but the one entitled Gifted Hands seems to leave me with a lot of reflections. A man whose mother raised alone with his brother. A man who had anger issues. A man who almost killed someone because of his anger problems, but relied on God and the book of proverbs in the bible to be guided. Ultimately, and the fact that he conducted a near impossible surgery by the help of God is as inspiring as you may find. The depth of revelation and capacity enabled by the former two had shaped me profoundly in further shaping me into the man I am today.
How did they shape your perception on certain issues?
First would be the God factor in whatever gifts we possess, the fact of measuring up and keeping our career ascension in focus. Dr Carson at some point in his life had been a local champion at school, but when he left his locality and moved away from home for further studies, he realized he must be better than the best to have a say That means excellence. He strove to excel when the need arose, he never relented on his oars, he saw a challenge and dug deeper to break through. His determination transcends the laxity associated with mediocrity. This is a real elixir for me. Notably and in the midst of it all, his humanity remains intact. To me, the God factor, the importance of continuous learning for greater heights and the human face towards fellow humans.
As a versatile communicator, how do you adapt your style and approach when reporting on different topics or engaging with diverse audiences?
The first is a general knowledge of the issues, while second would be specific knowledge of an area of focus. For instance, having an idea or knowledge of education is important, but when reporting, writing or talking about children at kindergarten; pupils in primary schools, students in secondary schools and undergraduates at the university level, then angles are created and must be taken cognizance of. Analyzing or making comments on toddlers would mean a little more focus on their protection, worries or concerns about their parents especially mothers come to play, ensuring that they get enough sleep, enough play, enough vitamins for their growth as well as attention to their personal hygiene also forms part of the conversation. However, the focal areas changes completely when we talk about those in secondary schools. . the report or discussion moves from much rest to more work, less play to les distraction. It becomes interesting as teenage pregnancy, peer pressure, bullying and diligence take the front burner. At the juncture of discussing university education, one focuses of lecturers and their students, especially sex and money for marks, avoiding cultism and not forgetting strike actions. From the thorough knowledge through reading and research, followed by the listening/reading or recipients of such information being doled out.
In the age of social media and instant news consumption, how do you ensure accuracy and objectivity in your reporting?
The response to this question if you asked me ten years ago would have been, if you don’t know, leave out. These days the response has to be, if you don’t know, find out. Social media as one of the agencies of information in these times has a lot of limitations with regard to those who only need to have data on their phones, alongside the many unknown followers and there is wildfire on the social media. In proper journalism, facts are checked, queries are responded to, chasms are closed and gaps are covered because journalists themselves are gods in their rights. Accuracy is ensured by thoroughly cross-checking facts, while objectivity is to report all sides of a story or it would turn out as watery opinion without substance. I must also recommend trainings on the use of smart phones from primary four in all schools across Nigeria, as this will help evolve a culture of responsible social media use. Emm, who buys followers in proper journalism anyway.
How do you navigate through the challenges of misinformation and fake news?
Taking responsibility for what one disseminates. The consciousness of ethical practice of the noble profession of journalism is important. Avoidance of yellow-page journalism with a twenty-feet pole and top of it all is the decision to do right no matter whose ox is gored. On the side of government is legislation that carries fines and i mean heavy fines for those individuals and organizations that deliberately subvert correct information because their god is their belly.
Can you share any strategy or technique you use to effectively connect with your audience and relay complex information to the public in a way they can understand and engage with?
The best way is the Human Angle Approach. Whenever people speak on any matter, while statistics are important, delving into any issue and presenting it from the human angle provides a good footing for the analysis. What must be understood is that, every activity of government or the electorate goes to one point, which how such policies and programs affect people’s livelihood. In truth, even the stock exchange and other industries are about who invests, who renders any services or requires some form of service or the other. Therefore, the trajectory of human angle approach is most important strategy. READ ALSO:
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How do you ensure inclusivity and diversity in your reporting?
Acceptance of diversity in our world is fundamental to the health humanhood without borders. i have a quadruple of suggestions in that regard. The first is to educate oneself. Myopia is not only defective eye problem but also a mind that is shrivelled being malnourished from lack of learning. Skewed worldview affects the human mind and prevents enriched perspectives. I deliberately seek knowledge. The next is to avoid stereotypes. If one is educated or armed with knowledge enough, there will not be room for basking in the delirium of aligning with stereotypical postures. Since I am speaking as a journalist, I seek diverse sources as well and make sure that I use inclusive language while speaking or writing especially while giving attention to under-reported stories.
How do you approach the representation of various voices and perspectives, particularly those that are often marginalized or underrepresented?
Again, the consciousness of the human angle comes here, as this requires thoughtful practice and intentional effort. The first step for me is to ascertain through research, the historical and social factors that contribute to marginalization. Things do not just happen and people do not just become marginalized, therefore i seek to know who and why because there is a what. This seeking to find mean I must be involved in active outreach. Journalism is a huge task, and without relentless effort, then one should forget impact. I also must check my biases. Africa has values that are different from those of her western counterparts, I must therefore do well to not allow my socio-cultural plus political biases to render redundant the priority of ethical reporting, and this I pinch myself into repeated reminding. Important here for me is also my collaboration with communities for the diversification of my sources, while I also present my analyses respectfully, bearing in mind that those who are marginalized might read unknown meanings to what the geniality of others take for granted.
What advice would you give to aspiring journalists who are looking to make a difference in the industry and tackle pressing social issues through their work?
It is that they must never seek fame nor riches, for these are the incubus of journalistic damnation. Rather, seek to know a little of everything, and hone their skills as much as possible, under a mentor, while staying humble while growing through the ranks. Run away from all kind of coloured envelope and credit alerts that totally blind the eyes in regrets
What have been the major changes so far?
Personally, it is the consistent reliance on God, so as to avoid thinking it has been about me but the unfailing enablement of my creator. Professionally, it is always seeking ways to do things better. adaptability, staying teachable, ensuring continuous personal development, commitment to learning and re-learning, while staying humble and close to seniors in the industry,
