Next Gen Intern Diary: Getting Behind the Scenes at TheInformant247

On Monday, 1 June, I walked into the Informant247 newsroom in Ilorin, Kwara State, to resume my internship placement, facilitated by Campus Reporter’s Next-Gen Programme, looking forward to learning, relearning, and advancing my journalism career.

But the story didn’t start that day. It started long before I was admitted to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) as a student. I had applied to study Mass Communication, seeking a way to satisfy my curiosity about the people who govern us. But I was offered Political Science, which I accepted and studied. Luckily, I found a way back through campus journalism.

Since I graduated, I have sought ways to establish a solid foundation in my journalism career, and then I came across the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) Next Gen Campus graduate program. I carefully applied for the opportunity because I believed it was one of the most needed programs to further my journalism career. My acceptance into the programme ultimately led me to TheInformant247 newsroom.

Working at TheInformant247

The newsroom is typically a hive of activity, with editors reviewing stories, reporters chasing breaking news, and everyone working to meet tight deadlines. 

What the public eventually sees as breaking news, investigative reports, or fact-checked stories is the result of rigorous research, careful verification, and timely updates before publication. 

Observing these processes has given me valuable practical insight into how mainstream journalism operates beyond what was adopted in campus journalism practice. It has also helped me appreciate the depth of work that goes into producing credible news content.

In the past few weeks in the newsroom, I have been introduced to several technical and editorial aspects of news production. I drew from my experience as former Publicity Secretary, Principal Editor, and Deputy Editor-in-Chief at Pen Press UDUS to deliver on other editorial responsibilities I have been entrusted with. 

I was assigned to manage the organisation’s social media platforms, drawing from my previous experience as a publicity secretary during my days at the university. I also gained hands-on experience with WordPress, where I assisted in publishing stories and ensuring that all necessary corrections and approvals were completed by the managing editor before publication. 

Since I joined, I have produced at least three news reports daily, one special report, one feature story, and one to two investigative reports monthly.

I realise that working in a newsroom requires exceptional adaptability, rapid fact-checking skills, and the ability to collaborate under tight, non-negotiable deadlines. Working on news reports always comes with a deadline to ensure that the stories do not become stale. At the same time, I need to verify all information while also adhering strictly to ethical and legal journalism standards.

Beyond routine publication tasks, I have begun working on two investigative stories under the supervision of my managing editor, who has emphasised the importance of data gathering, accuracy, and verification in journalism.

Unlike campus journalism, which often focuses on university communities, mainstream journalism demands a higher level of scrutiny, professionalism, and accountability due to its broader audience. 

One key lesson I have learned is that journalism goes beyond writing; it requires teamwork, discipline, timeliness, sound editorial judgment, and adaptability. Every member of the newsroom plays a crucial role in ensuring that the publication that comes from Informant247 maintains credibility, accuracy, and relevance.

As I continue my internship program, I look forward to learning more about television broadcasting journalism, as discussed with my editor.

I must say the daily experiences have been improving my reporting knowledge, and I am eager for next month, hoping it will be a more impactful time for my growth as a young journalist.