Prioritising the objectives of broadcasting

The main objectives of broadcasting are to inform, educate and entertain. In carrying out these functions, broadcasting organisations are guided by certain codes, ethics and practice. These are the dos and donts of broadcasting which cover and protect the rights of the audiences. They also take account and cater to the nature, interest and sensibilities of groups, like the women and children. They respect the culture, norms, traditions and religions of societies and environments.

Here in Nigeria broadcasting is regulated by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) which grants licenses to the operators and monitors their output to ensure adherence to professionalism. There is as well the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), a voluntary association of radio and television stations which came into existence in 1973. The Society of Nigeria Broadcasters (SNB) formed in 1979 caters to the welfare of practioners, while BON is involved in training and exchange of ideas and programmes. BON, in addition, engages in joint coverage of important events like the National Sports Festivals, the 2nd All Africa Games of 1973, first West African Games of 1977 and the 2nd World Black Festival of Arts and Culture, (Festac 77). There is as well FIBAN (the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria) formed in 2002 to cater for the welfare of its members.

It is the responsibility of proprietors, be they government or private entrepreneurs to make adequate funds available for studios, offices, transmitters, vehicles, furniture, cameras, power, other needed equipment, staff salaries and allowances, programmes production, training etc.

This is where the professional know-how and the courage of managers and their staff come to play. They must realise that the best way to go is to keep to the codes of ethics and practice in force. They need to know how to moderate the conflicting interests, while still retaining the confidence of their current proprietors. A situation where, as in Osun State recently, two staffers openly engaged in partisan politics, congratulating a senator elect while pouring insults on the opposing party State governor on the social media, is unprofessional and condemnable. It is not surprising management sent them on indefinite suspension. Also in Ondo State, two Yoruba freelance artists openly and brazenly heaped abuses on a governorship candidate while promoting another one of the ruling party. This was despicable.  As it turned out, the opposition party candidate won the election and the artists could not dare to return to the station to continue doing their programme.

Broadcasters should know that their fate is in their own hands. The way they are held and treated will depend on their own behaviour and performance. In 2003, I stood firm to explain things to the present Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose when he unwittingly thought the BSES of which I was the pioneer chairman, was being unduly partisan in favour of the incumbent governor Niyi Adebayo. Mr Ayo Fayose felt impressed and told me that if he won the election, as he was sure he would, he would want me to work with him. The result was that when he became governor, he re-appointed me from the opposing party and made me the first Executive Chairman of the station. Before then in 1965, during the Awolowo/Akintola Action Group crisis, even though I was a known pro Awolowo man, I was clearly loyal to the government headed by Chief Ladoke Akintola. Both leaders knew me well and accorded me acceptance and respect as an impartial and efficient professional broadcaster. I was equally free with Richard Akinjide same as I was with Bola Ige.

I am therefore not preaching what is impossible or which I have not practised and experienced myself before. Elections will be held in Anambra State later this year, in Ekiti and Osun States next year and in the whole country in 2019. It is up to broadcasters to respect and protect themselves by their strict observance of relevant codes, uphold the best practices of professionalism so as not to dent broadcasting and expose themselves to danger. They should heed this timely warning, for as they lay their beds, so will they lie on them.

Kunle Olasope is a veteran broadcaster from Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State