Peter Iorter

Meet Peter. Leading ethical journalism and advocacy in Nigeria

From Herts to media changemaker

From his time in the classrooms at the University of Hertfordshire to leading one of Nigeria’s most influential media advocacy organisations, Peter has built a career grounded in purpose, skill, and public interest. As executive director and CEO of Safer-Media Initiative, Peter champions ethical, data-driven journalism and works to create a safer, more independent media landscape across Nigeria.

Reflecting on his studies, ‘the postgraduate course at the University of Hertfordshire did not just give me knowledge, it gave me direction. I’m now armed with fresh insights, new tools, and a broader perspective.’ These tools have helped him empower journalists, promote safety and ethics, and develop communication strategies that support civic engagement and transparency.

Peter chose the MA in Journalism and Media Communications because it aligned perfectly with his professional goals. ‘I wanted a course that would sharpen my journalistic skills while also giving me a solid understanding of corporate communications, media production, and the evolving media landscape,’ he explains. ‘What I liked most was the balance between hands-on training and critical analysis of media ethics and strategy. That combination has been vital in helping me lead with confidence in today’s complex media environment.’

One experience that stood out was the Corporate Communications module, where students tackled real-world crisis communication scenarios. ‘It was intense but incredibly rewarding.’

Learning by doing

Peter’s time at Herts was also filled with creative learning opportunities. ‘Designing a magazine using InDesign and creating mobile journalism content—filming, editing, and producing everything on my phone- showed me how accessible and powerful storytelling can be. Presenting a crisis comms plan live was another defining moment. It tested my thinking and communication under pressure.’

To succeed academically, Peter relied on a few key habits and encourages future students to do the same. ‘Get to know Canva early, it’ll save you time and stress. Start assignments early, understand the briefs, and ask questions if anything is unclear. And keep up with the readings, they make class discussions more engaging and help you stay prepared.’

He also valued opportunities outside the classroom. ‘Working as a student ambassador allowed me to earn while building key skills like communication and teamwork. It was also a great way to give back to the university community through volunteering and engagement.’

Today, as the leader of Safer-Media Initiative, Peter’s ambition is to drive meaningful change in media freedom and safety. ‘I want to help build a media landscape where journalists operate securely, citizens are well-informed, and storytelling drives accountability and justice’.