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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has warned that divisive and poorly verified broadcasts are deepening polarisation among young Nigerians, urging broadcasters to strengthen professional standards.
His warning came as the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) sought government intervention over rising operating costs that have forced some radio and television stations to close or reduce transmission hours.
Otu, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, spoke on Thursday in Calabar while opening BON’s 82nd General Assembly, themed “Broadcast Media: Bedrock of Democratic and Economic Advancement in Nigeria.”
“When irresponsible, divisive or poorly verified content is allowed to dominate the airwaves, it can deepen social polarisation and expose young minds to conflicting and harmful ideologies,” he said.
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The governor urged BON to develop practical measures to strengthen ethical broadcasting, editorial judgement and accountability, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to a free press.
BON Chairman, Tony Akiotu, represented by Isah Yusuf, said high diesel prices, unreliable electricity and the rising cost of imported equipment following the naira’s devaluation were threatening broadcasters’ survival.
He appealed to federal and state governments for a policy to support the industry and urged governors to assist private stations in their states.
Cross River Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Ekpenyong Cobham, said the government had introduced hybrid solar systems at the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation’s transmitters and studios and upgraded obsolete equipment.
He added that the administration had digitised operations at the Nigerian Chronicle Newspapers and the State Printing Press to revive the organisations.
