The Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishment of Nigeria (APPMEN) has announced plans to convene private media owners across Lagos State for its inaugural stakeholders’ meeting and end-of-year get-together in December 2026.
The gathering, being organised by the association’s National Secretariat in Abuja, is expected to bring together proprietors of radio and television stations, newspapers, online publications, blogs, podcasts and other media establishments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With the theme, “Professionalism, Protection and Prosperity: Positioning Private Media for Credible Elections and Sustainable Business,” the meeting is designed to strengthen the capacity, unity and economic prospects of private media operators while preparing them for the challenges and responsibilities of election coverage.
APPMEN said the convergence was particularly important as the media sector prepares for the 2027 electoral cycle, when responsible journalism, accurate information and professional political reporting will be critical to peaceful democratic participation.
The association identified professionalism, protection and prosperity as the three pillars of its strategy for repositioning private media organisations.
Under its professionalism agenda, APPMEN disclosed plans to strengthen its Institute for Communication and Media Studies, headquartered in Asokoro, Abuja, with a Lagos study centre expected to open soon.
The institute will provide specialised training in election reporting, fact-checking, conflict-sensitive journalism and compliance with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) political broadcasting regulations.
Members are also expected to enjoy priority access to a proposed Certificate in Election and Governance Reporting programme ahead of the 2027 elections.
On the issue of protection, APPMEN said it was working towards providing institutional support, legal advisory services and a unified platform for engaging regulatory and security agencies, including the NBC, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS).
It also announced plans to unveil an APPMEN Lagos Election Monitoring and Rapid Response Desk to address operational challenges and protect members during the electioneering period.
The association further highlighted its economic empowerment agenda through the APPMEN Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, which is expected to provide members with access to business support, joint advertising negotiations, equipment financing and insurance opportunities.
According to the association, the initiative is aimed at strengthening the financial capacity of private media operators and ensuring they can take advantage of legitimate business opportunities arising from the 2027 election cycle.
A major highlight of the inaugural gathering will be a high-level dialogue on government-media partnership for peaceful and credible 2027 elections.
APPMEN disclosed that invitations had been extended to the Lagos State Government, INEC Lagos, NBC, the Ministry of Information and security agencies to engage private media proprietors on regulatory expectations, election coverage and institutional collaboration.
The dialogue is expected to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to address concerns affecting private media operations and identify practical ways to promote responsible reporting and peaceful electoral participation.
The association has consequently called on all proprietors of private media establishments operating in Lagos State to participate in the historic gathering.
The meeting is scheduled for December 2026, although the exact date and venue are yet to be announced.
Attendance is free, but registration is compulsory for planning and security purposes.
Interested participants, prospective partners and government representatives can contact the APPMEN National Secretariat on 08036443430 or 08020505121. Further information is available on the association’s website, [www.appmen.com.ng](http://www.appmen.com.ng).
The association said the initiative reflects its commitment to building a more professional, protected and financially sustainable private media sector capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic development.
