The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has called on governments and security agencies to protect media freedom and allow journalists to perform their constitutional responsibilities without harassment or intimidation ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
The Chairman of BON, Tony Akiotu, represented by the Vice Chairman, Yusuf Isah, made the call at the opening ceremony of the organisation’s 82nd General Assembly in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
Akiotu expressed concern over reported cases of sponsored arrests, intimidation and detention of journalists, warning against political intimidation, thuggery and invasions of media houses during the electioneering period.
READ ALSO: Governors’ Youth Aides Forum Backs Abdullahi for NBBF Presidency
“The media remained the Fourth Estate of the Realm and a bedrock of Nigeria’s democracy,” he said, urging stakeholders to protect the media’s ability to provide citizens with credible information.
The BON chairman also stressed the need for broadcast media executives to ensure balanced, accurate and reliable news and political programming, cautioning that the rush to break news should not compromise authenticity or public interest.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a level playing field for all political parties and ensure adequate preparation of the technical infrastructure required for credible elections.
Fair And Balanced Coverage
In a goodwill message, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, represented by Ekanem Antia, urged broadcasters to provide fair and balanced coverage of political activities and ensure equal access for all registered political parties and candidates.
Ebuebu highlighted the special responsibility broadcasters carried during the electioneering period, particularly amid the spread of misinformation, sensationalism and undue partisan influence.
“By doing so, we not only safeguard democracy, but also strengthen public trust in the media,” he noted.
The NBC director-general also drew attention to the growing influence of online platforms and the rise of AI-generated audiovisual content, urging broadcasters to uphold professional standards and help audiences distinguish credible journalism from manipulated material.
He disclosed that the commission was developing regulations to govern the emerging digital space, with the safety of Nigerians as a priority.
Copyright Protection
The Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr John Asein, urged broadcasters to collaborate with the commission to combat piracy and sustain the industry.
Asein explained that broadcasting was among the categories of rights protected under the Copyright Act, describing broadcasters as important players in Nigeria’s creative economy.
He expressed the commission’s readiness to partner with BON to develop measures to protect broadcasters against the unauthorised rebroadcast of their content and prevent the undermining of investments in the industry.
Meanwhile, BON honoured the Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, at the 82nd General Assembly in recognition of his performance and leadership.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Odey, received the award on Otu’s behalf at the assembly, themed; “Broadcast Media: Bedrock of Democratic and Economic Advancement in Nigeria.”
