The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has called on the Federal Government to introduce emergency support measures for radio and television stations as rising operating costs threaten the survival of broadcasters across the country.
The BON Chairman, Senior High Chief Tony Akiotu, made the appeal at the organisation’s 82nd General Assembly in Calabar, Cross River State, warning that economic pressures were forcing some stations to reduce transmission hours while others faced possible closure.
Akiotu, who was represented by his deputy, Yusuf Alhaji Isah, urged federal and state governments to provide financial and operational assistance to broadcasters, particularly privately owned stations.
He noted that private broadcasters regularly air government announcements and public service information without charging the authorities.
The BON chairman attributed the industry’s difficulties to high diesel prices, expensive electricity tariffs, unreliable public power supply and the depreciation of the naira, which has increased the cost of importing essential broadcasting equipment.
He also raised concerns about press freedom and journalists’ safety ahead of the 2027 general elections, alleging an increase in arrests, intimidation and detention of media personnel by state authorities.
Akiotu warned political actors against using thugs to harass journalists or invade broadcast facilities during election campaigns.
On the responsibility of broadcasters during the election period, he urged media organisations to prioritise accuracy over the pressure to publish breaking news ahead of competitors.
“Accuracy differentiates mainstream media from social media,” he said, urging newsrooms to uphold verified facts, public interest and authenticity in their reporting.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for their efforts to address the country’s security challenges, while acknowledging the Independent National Electoral Commission’s preparations for the 2027 elections under its chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan.
Declaring the assembly open on Thursday, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu urged broadcasters to promote peace, national unity and responsible journalism as the country approaches another election cycle.
Represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, the governor said broadcasting was too influential to be left to sensationalism and called on practitioners to place the national interest above personal and political considerations.
“As gatekeepers of information, you must uphold professional standards, embrace innovation and use your platforms responsibly to promote unity, peace and development,” Otu said.
He warned that hate speech, misinformation and irresponsible content were deepening divisions and misleading young people, urging broadcasters not to allow their stations to be used to overheat the polity.
Otu also commended BON for sustaining cooperation among public, private and international broadcasters since its establishment in 1973, assuring the organisation of his administration’s support for media that promotes development and Nigeria’s positive image.
Earlier, the Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, outlined measures taken by the state government to modernise its media operations and address rising costs.
Cobham said the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation’s radio and television services had transitioned to hybrid solar-powered systems to reduce dependence on diesel and unreliable electricity.
He added that the government had upgraded obsolete equipment and digitised operations at the Nigerian Chronicle newspaper and the State Printing Press.
The commissioner also highlighted improvements in healthcare and education, saying the state had increased its health budget allocation from six to 10 per cent, employed more than 2,500 healthcare workers and restored doctors’ full Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
He said government interventions in education had helped raise the state’s Senior School Certificate Examination pass rate from 65.2 per cent to more than 78 per cent.
Cobham urged journalists to uphold truth, responsibility and professional standards amid rapid technological changes and the growing use of artificial intelligence.
The week-long assembly brought together regulators, station owners and other industry stakeholders to discuss the future of broadcasting in the digital era.
Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, was among those who delivered goodwill messages, calling for stronger partnerships among broadcasters.
Tighten the story around BON’s appealTrim the less relevant state updates
Discussion0