The National Broadcasting Commission of Nigeria (NBC) has stressed the need for broadcast media to adhere strictly to rules and regulations guiding their operations.
By Fatima Bisi Shogbade
The National Broadcasting Commission of Nigeria (NBC) has stressed the need for broadcast media to adhere strictly to rules and regulations guiding their operations.
The NBC Zonal Director, Mr Jude Ajayi stated this while speaking at a news conference to kick start the Fresh 105.9FM 10th anniversary on Wednesday, at the NUJ Press Centre, Ibadan.
Represented by an Assistant Director of the commission, Alhaja Sherifat Mohammed-Koro, Ajayi acknowledged that rule violations are inevitable in broadcasting but urged stations to strictly adhere to the rules.
“Fresh FM is like a tree planted; we nurtured and now, we saw it grow with several branches.
“Though, we don’t expect anything less, because its chairman himself is a seasoned broadcaster, we are happy to see seasoned broadcaster do the right things.
“The NBC works to ensure broadcasting promotes responsible content that serves the needs and aspirations of the public,” he said.
Dr. Yinka Ayefele (MON), Chairman of Fresh FM stated that he entered the broadcasting industry to make a lasting impact and revolutionise the field, stressing the need for high standards.
The Ibadan-based gospel musician and broadcaster credited the success of Fresh FM to his perseverance, noting that it took him seven years of rigorous processing to obtain an operational license.
He urged the NBC to maintain consistent standards for all applicants, warning that inconsistent regulation could lead to a porous and saturated industry.
“I started transmitting. Then a time came that the NBC came, bombarded my office with DSS and they said Mr Ayefele, where is your licence and I said do I need a license. They said yes. It took me seven years before I was given the licence.
“We have many veterans that have worked and suffered in this industry, hence my decision to establish radio stations for them to enjoy what they have suffered for.
“I think I changed the face of poach, making life better and meaningful to presenters, I poached with money because I need the best hands to start this job with me,” he said.
He urged the NBC to thoroughly investigate all applicants for broadcasting licenses, warning against issuing licenses solely for financial gain, as this has led to saturation and licenses being sold on platforms like Facebook.
Ayefele said, “if it’s the same way NBC investigated me, they did to others, I don’t think most of the radio stations today will exist or owners would know the value of their licence and adhere strictly to the rules of the game.”
In his remarks, Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju described Ayefele as a “talent manager,”
“The radio station through professionalism is reshaping radio programming not only in Oyo state, but Nigeria at large.
The Group General Manager of Fresh FM stations, Alhaji Abolade Salami said the celebration is remarkable in appreciation and gratitude to God.
Some dignitaries at the event include Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Special Adviser on Media to Gov. Seyi Makinde and the NUJ Chairman in Oyo State, Comrade Ademola Babalola among others (NAN)