Special Report: Splash FM and Lagelu FM Take the Lead in Adopting Solutions Journalism for Crime Reporting By Temilade Aloko.
In a media landscape saturated with reports of violence, insecurity, and economic hardship, two prominent radio stations in Ibadan—Splash FM and Lagelu FM—are charting a new path by introducing Solutions Journalism into their crime bulletins. This bold step aims to reduce the emotional burden of grim news on listeners while promoting hope, resilience, and evidence-based responses to societal issues.
The movement began with capacity-building training held for newsroom staff, newscasters, and broadcasters across both stations. The first session was facilitated by Femi Ojo, a reporter with Splash FM, who introduced the core concepts of solutions journalism to his colleagues. Following the session, the General Manager of Splash FM, Tunde Olawuwo, approved the integration of this reporting style into the station’s crime-focused programs, Gbankogbi and Gudugbe.
The second phase of the training was conducted by Chibuike Alagboso, Deputy Director of Media Programs at Nigeria Health Watch and an accredited trainer with the Solutions Journalism Network (SJN). With years of experience in health communication and advocacy, Alagboso emphasized the power of storytelling and journalism to drive positive change in communities.
“We scream problems and whisper solutions,” Alagboso said,
reminding participants of the need for balance in how stories are told.
Why This Matters Now
In today’s Nigeria, headlines are often dominated by stories of pain—from economic struggles to the rising wave of criminal activities. In Oyo State, crime news has become a staple of daily radio programming, often leaving audiences feeling anxious, helpless, and emotionally drained.
By adopting Solutions Journalism, Splash FM and Lagelu FM are leading a shift away from solely problem-based storytelling to a more constructive, balanced approach—where solutions are reported with the same urgency and visibility as the problems.
The Four Pillars of Solutions Journalism
At the heart of this approach are four essential pillars:
- Response – What is being done to address the issue?
- Evidence – Is the response working? Are there measurable outcomes?
- Insight – What lessons can others learn from this solution?
- Limitations – What challenges or gaps exist in the solution?
This framework allows journalists to dig deeper—not just reporting crime, but also highlighting what is working in crime prevention, justice reform, victim support, and community resilience.
Transforming Gbankogbi and Gudugbe
Previously known for intense and gripping crime coverage, Gbankogbi and Gudugbe are now being reimagined. New segments will spotlight community efforts at reducing crime, local policing initiatives, rehabilitation success stories, and impactful interventions addressing the root causes of violence.
This shift not only humanizes news content but also empowers listeners with examples of hope, change, and action.
Responsible Headlines, Responsible Journalism
Another major takeaway from the training was the need for more thoughtful headlines. Splash and Lagelu FM now recognize that the tone of a story begins with the headline. Rather than using language that provokes fear or despair, the new approach is to inform with empathy and inspire action.
A New Direction for Nigerian Broadcast Journalism
With Splash FM and Lagelu FM taking the lead in this transformative movement, Solutions Journalism is no longer a foreign concept—it is now a practical tool for local newsrooms to help build better societies.
This isn’t about ignoring the harsh realities of our world; it’s about reporting them with a mindset for change.
In a country where problems often dominate the airwaves, this shift marks the beginning of a new era—where radio doesn’t just echo fear, but also amplifies solutions.
Appreciation and Continued Commitment
The General Manager of Splash FM, Tunde Olawuwo, expressed profound appreciation to Nigeria Health Watch for organizing the impactful training. He commended the organization’s role in promoting constructive storytelling and journalism that makes a difference. Olawuwo also reassured the station’s continued commitment to amplifying the Solutions Journalism approach. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We will keep building our team’s capacity and keep spotlighting stories that inspire action and drive change in our society.”
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