The Director General and management team of the National Broadcasting Corporation, NBC convenes a one-day stakeholders’ engagement and interactive session at the Hawthorn Suites in Abuja on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, aimed at fostering closer communication between the commission and key industry stakeholders, as well as to devise strategies for navigating the evolving media landscape.
The meeting, exclusively for CEOs and representatives of all broadcast organizations in Nigeria, saw participation from across the country, including Directors General, General Managers of stations, Heads of Stations and representatives.
Charles Ebuebe, the Director-General of the NBC, emphasized in his welcome address that the forum provided an opportunity for the NBC to listen to stakeholders’ perspectives and collectively address challenges posed by the digital landscape.
In the interactive session, chaired by the Director of Public Affairs, Susan Obi, crutial topics were covered, such as providing support to media houses, fines, levies, and professionalism in the media space.
The representative of the Director General Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Director Special Duties of FRCN, Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi, stressed the need for NBC to regulate reckless and sensational content from private broadcasting stations without politicizing the issue.
The representative of the Director-General of the NTA emphasized on the importance for broadcasting stations to diversify their content in order to increase revenue and stay pertinent in today’s media landscape.
During the session, Tijanni Ramalan, CEO of Liberty Radio and TV, raised concerns about the financial strain on private stations due to subsidy removal and high diesel costs, urging the NBC to facilitate a meeting with private media broadcasting stations to explore assistance measures.
Shitu Mohammed OFR, CEO of SMK Radio, Maiduguri, highlighted additional charges beyond license fees hindering the operations of new licensees, requesting the NBC to provide relief by reducing charges and offering extended payment periods to promote broadcasting in Nigeria.
In response, DG NBC elaborated that the non payment of license fees and other statutory obligations undermines the commissions ability to function effectively. He urged broadcasting outfits to familiarize themselves with the NBC code and adhere to its provisions to avoid sanctions.
General Manager of Kapital FM, Abuja, Mrs Bukola Tuwuro commended the forum’s timeliness amidst economic challenges affecting media operations, emphasizing the importance of guiding the media on the right path.
In conclusion the DG, NBC pledged to convene a review session involving broadcasting experts and stakeholders to address challenges outlined by participants in the NBC code.
Story: Christy Dung/Ihuoma Ukeje
Editing: Ehizogie Ohiani