The management of OJ 106.3 FM, a radio station based in Benin, announced on Wednesday that the station was founded to create opportunities for talented young individuals interested in broadcasting who lack the financial means to pay for airtime. Joy Olabisi Akpaida, the Chief Executive Officer of the station, made this known while introducing journalists to the new station in Benin. She emphasized that the goal is to ensure high-quality programs and content.
Akpaida, who previously served as the Head of the Benin Centre of DAAR Communications, which owns AIT and Raypower, noted that many broadcast station owners have prioritized profit over the quality of programs and individuals brought on board. She expressed concern about this trend, which she said has been troubling her for years, and revealed that it inspired the creation of OJ 106.3 FM.
The CEO clarified that this does not mean that sponsored programs or those with advertisements will be aired for free. She explained, "Of course, eventually they will pay. For instance, if you bring a program on air, and we know that this program has an advert in it, you will pay us. The essence of what we are talking about is to allow for quality programs and content, and that was what gave birth to the drive to own a radio station, so that we can give all opportunities, with or without money."
When asked how the station would generate funds if it offers programming free to presenters, Akpaida responded, "There are other salient areas in radio broadcasts that you can make money from, beyond what people churn out every other day, our whole news and programs. So we intend to dive into those other areas where we can raise revenue, while we allow opportunity for young minds, quality content programming and news to thrive on radio and, well, eventually online."
Akpaida disclosed that the station will be live on all social media handles 24 hours a day and will begin full broadcasting once the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) grants approval. She also stated that the station aims to bridge the gap between people at home and those in the Diaspora by telling the Edo story to both groups through online broadcasting.
