The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has called on owners of government-owned broadcast stations to wake up to contemporary media challenges and reaffirm their roles in educating, entertaining, and informing the public.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, Oyo State Chapter, held at the NTA Ibadan Network Centre, the veteran broadcast manager expressed concern over the poor performance of government-owned stations in recent years and the negative impact on their ratings.
Oyelade, who has been in the broadcast media and management business for the past 47 years, called for a renewed commitment to excellence. He stressed that government broadcast stations should embrace innovative practices that have allowed private stations to thrive and reassess their strategies to stay competitive.
Referring to data from the National Broadcasting Commission Zonal Office, Oyelade noted that Oyo State has experienced remarkable growth in the broadcast industry. As of February 2024, the state boasts 51 radio stations, a significant increase from 20 stations in 2019. However, private stations have dominated the landscape, with government-owned stations facing a decline in ratings and struggling to attract advertisers.
Prince Oyelade urged the management of government-owned stations to think innovatively and seek collaboration, even with competitors, to navigate the tough business climate. He cited the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) as an example, which, established in 1922 by the British government, operates independently and is publicly funded as a successful model.
Earlier in his address, the Chief Host and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, who also has decades of successful management experience in broadcast media, emphasized that broadcasting remains a credible profession. He noted that the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, mooted in 1963, became formally registered in 1994.
In his keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor of Lead City University, Prof. Aderemi Adeyemo, highlighted that broadcasting, a vital component of modern communication, plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, disseminating information, and providing entertainment. As media consumption evolves, broadcasters face the challenge of maintaining high professional standards while adopting sustainable practices.
Prof. Adeyemo also noted that political influences can undermine editorial independence, leading to biased reporting and a loss of credibility. Identifying financial constraints as a factor that can compromise content quality and ethical standards, he added that media houses must be financially stable to sustain operations by diversifying revenue streams, such as advertising, subscriptions, and partnerships.
