Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has called on broadcasters across Nigeria to prioritize credible broadcasting as a means of strengthening democracy. He made the call at the 3rd Annual Conference and Induction of New Members of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) in Bauchi. The conference, themed “Responsible Broadcasting in an Election Year: Countering Misinformation, Promoting Peace and Strengthening Democracy,” was attended by media professionals and broadcasters.
Mohammed, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Auwal Jatau, stressed the need for traditional media broadcasters to intensify credible reporting following the emergence of social media. He urged Nigerian broadcasters to prioritize verification, accuracy, and responsible reporting in the face of rising misinformation and disinformation. The governor noted that credible broadcasting had become more important in an era where manipulated content could travel around the world within seconds.
The governor's administration has invested over N3 billion in modernizing state-owned media outfits to promote digital broadcasting and credible information dissemination. The investment includes the installation of digital broadcasting facilities at Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC) and Bauchi State Television (BATV) to reposition the stations for global competitiveness. This move aims to enhance the state's media landscape and promote credible information.
Mohammed noted that credible broadcasting remained critical to combating misinformation, strengthening public trust, and promoting constructive dialogue, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that responsible broadcasting is a panacea for peace, national unity, and democratic consolidation, hence the need for governments at all levels to support the media industry.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, represented by the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, commended the SNB for its contributions to national development. He noted that the Federal Government had invested significantly in public and private broadcasting. The conference also featured the induction of new members and was attended by government officials, media executives, veteran broadcasters, and Mass Communication students.
The National President of the SNB, Professor Umar Pate, called for greater integration of technology into digital broadcasting to enhance credible, accurate, and timely reporting ahead of the election. He emphasized the need for broadcasters to maintain a clear distinction between facts, analysis, commentary, and opinion. The conference provided a platform for media professionals to review their achievements, address emerging challenges, and chart a responsible course for broadcasting in Nigeria.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Prof. Umaru Pate, President of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, and Mrs. Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director and CEO of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ). The governor commended the SNB for choosing Bauchi to host the conference and for sustaining a democratic process through which its members renew their leadership.
Key points
- The Bauchi State Governor urged broadcasters to prioritize verification, accuracy, and responsible reporting to combat misinformation and strengthen democracy.
- The governor's administration has invested over N3 billion in modernizing state-owned media outfits to promote digital broadcasting and credible information dissemination.
- The conference aimed to promote responsible broadcasting, counter misinformation, and strengthen democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
