BON inaugurates committee to revive broadcasting industry in Nigeria

The Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria,  (BON), has inaugurated a committee to revive the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB), to a global standard.

According to Dr Uche Nworah, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), who disclosed this in a statement in Awka, on Wednesday, said the society would serve as the industry recognised association for broadcasters in the country.

He explained that, during the inauguration in Abuja, the Secretary-General of BON, Dr Oluyemisi Bamgbose, said there had been several attempts to revive the association since its establishment in March 1984, by four distinguished broadcasters out of which only two are still alive today.

According to him, all attempts to kick-start the association failed largely because those driving it were already retired so had no physical platforms or the required funds, but the present committee is made up of chief executives of stations therefore, SNB would take off from stations across the country from September 2021.

The ABS boss quoted Dr Bamgbose as saying,  the essence of taking off from the stations was to draw strength from those who are still in active service and BON would help to nurture it.

The committee is to look into modalities such as who is qualified to become a member, what should be the minimum academic qualification of members, their work experience or field, cost of registration and subscription among others.

The objectives of the society as contained in a proposed bill before the National Assembly include regulating and controlling the conduct of the practice of the broadcasting profession, prescribing, determining and setting the standard of knowledge and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become members of the broadcasting profession, to serve as the mouthpiece for the industry among others.

He commended the Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim led BON administration for its interest in sustaining and nurturing the lofty idea which is finally coming to fruition, its doggedness and steadfastness in taking the broadcasting profession forward.

Tribune Online gathered that the Committee has fifteen members drawn from experienced broadcasters and serving Chief Executives of broadcasting organisations in Nigeria.