For the records: Communique issued at the end of the official inauguration of Ogun State Chapter of Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, held on Wednesday October 4th, 2023 at the Conference Hall of Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Abeokuta, Ogun State

The Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB), Ogun State Chapter issued the following Communique at the end of its inauguration and Lecture in Abeokuta, Ogun State:

HARSH ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

Called on the federal government to compassionately consider financial grant to all Broadcast Media Organizations in the country in view of the excruciating economic situation to enable them perform their universally accepted functions effectively in the Country.

This call becomes necessary considering the peculiarity of the working conditions of these stations which have remained unshut despite various industrial strikes in the country precipitated by the oil subsidy removal with attendant hikes in goods and services and agitations by Labour Unions for a better working environment. It should be recalled that while other sectors shot down all activities during Covid-19 pandemic, Radio and Television stations were running at a loss .

ENTERY PARITY

The Society appeals to Ogun-State Government through the Head Service and the Chairman Ogun State Civil Service Commission to seriously review the entry point of Grade 7 for HND Mass Communication into the State Public Service when their counterparts with the same requisite qualifications in  Engineering and Accounting are absorbed on grade level 08.

According to SNB, part of the objectives of its formation was to address the absence of a professional body which Mass Communication graduates could revert to in the mode of ICAN, ANAN, NSE/ COREN etc., With the establishment of SNB, it has become a recognized professional body whose certificate is considered as one of the promotion requirements for those in the academia and media related organisations.

APPEAL TO BROADCASTERS

Participants noted the changes that have evolved in broadcasting in terms of interactiveness, audience engagement, creativity, technology and feedback mechanism.

The mainstream Media should not be compared at all with the Social Media. The Social Media can only be at best complimentary.

Core broadcasting, like the mainstream Media, has responsibility to disseminating the truth to the society and therefore Integrity must never be compromised, adding that integrity is part of the package that comes with broadcasting.

Broadcasting should focus more on setting social agenda, promoting social ethics and sacred values of Omoluabi spirit in furtherance of stability of the society.

PROFESSIONALISM

SNB should promote discipline and possibility of activating DE-ROBING MODE for erring practitioners who run foul of ethical, moral and legal rules.

SNB should endeavour to beam the searchlight on individual characters and conduct of broadcasters to ensure that they are always above board and conduct their professional lives with decorum just like other professional bodies like ICAN, etc.

Knowledge is critical as Broadcasters should strive to be abreast of knowledge in practically all fields. SNB at various levels should therefore swing to immediate action by organising regular workshops,seminars and mentoring for broadcasters in both government and private media establishments

Practitioners should inculcate broadcasting culture of believability, trust and integrity. Broadcasters must at all times eschew identifiable vices bedeviling social media such as Naked Prejudices, Absolute Falsehood, and fabrications of all sorts.

Broadcasters must at all times uphold professional competence, sacredness of facts, objectivity, balance, truth and fairness.

APPRECIATION

Members appreciate the efforts of the founding fathers of SNB through His Excellency Dr.Yemi Farounbi, Elder Diran Orekunrin and Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim as well as the efforts of  past  leadership of BON through Alhaji Abubakar Jijiwa former DG of Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Yakubu Ibn Mohammed former DG NTA, Dr.John Momoh,Chairman Channels Television,Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim,former DG of Abubakar Rimi Television and Prince Segun Olaleye immediate past Executive Secretary of BON.

Finally SNB having reviewed the progress made in the last 2 years appreciates the efforts of the current Chairman of BON/ CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr John Ugbe as well the Executive Secretary, Dr.Yemisi Bamgbose for their doggednenss to move the Society forward.

E signed.

Basorun Festus Kehinde (Chapter Chairman) & Deacon ‘Dara Adebimpe (Chapter Secretary).

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