The Kano State Government has taken a major step in the national push to overhaul Nigeria's broadcasting regulations. Governor Abba Yusuf's administration has formally presented a detailed memorandum to the Senate Committee on Information, contributing to the ongoing review process of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act.
Kano's Push for Media Reform
This significant move was announced at the 2nd Annual National Conference and Induction Ceremony of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB), held in Kano. The governor's spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, represented the state and revealed that the memorandum was developed after extensive consultations with media professionals, legal experts, and civil society organizations.
Sanusi Bature stated that the document reflects Governor Yusuf's strong conviction that Nigeria must reinforce its regulatory framework to counter the escalating challenges of misinformation and unethical broadcasting.
Key Proposals in the Memorandum
The memorandum outlines several critical areas that require legislative strengthening. These proposals are designed to modernize the broadcasting landscape and ensure it operates with greater responsibility. The key focus areas include:
- Regulation of digital broadcasting and online media platforms to keep pace with technological changes.
- Establishing clear ethical standards for political and religious content to prevent the inflation of societal tensions.
- Providing better protection for journalists and media workers.
- The adoption of global best practices in the era of artificial intelligence.
- Introducing stronger penalties for harmful and unprofessional broadcasting.
Bature emphasized that Governor Yusuf's proactive engagement with these national media reforms underscores his commitment to building a responsible, ethical, and future-ready broadcast sector in Nigeria.
Broadcasters Urged to Uphold Standards
During the conference, other industry leaders echoed the call for higher professionalism. The President of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB), Professor Umaru Pate, affirmed the body's dedication to enhancing the competence of its members.
Pate, who also serves as the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere in Gombe State, issued a stark warning, describing poorly trained broadcasters as a "toxic and endangered species in society." He urged professionals to embrace digitalization and technological advancements to maintain their relevance.
Adding a note of caution from a veteran's perspective, the event's Chairman, Alh. Ahmad Aminu of the BBC, advised broadcasters to be mindful of the rise of Artificial Intelligence and digital channels, which could potentially threaten their creativity. He reminded them of their crucial obligation to combat the dangers posed by misinformation, disinformation, and the security threats facing the nation.
