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Broadcasting

Televangelism: Between Adetuberu And T.B. Joshua

by Clement Ige 2nd October 2021

written by Clement Ige

Some months back, when young Prophet G.F Adetuberu calmly announced to members of his ministry his intentions to establish The Vine Television, reactions were actually high but many hardly saw his move beyond the ordinary. Many reactions narrowed the move to the fact that it was probably time for the Ministry to have its own televangelism medium like others.

Curiously, however, the Broadcasters International Magazine has been observing G.F. Adetuberu’s mode of worship, having been attracted to his captivating musical praise worship. The prophet, apart from being a good guitarist, carefully arranges an assembly of professional instrumentalists and singers as a formidable band. And he takes good advantage of this to specialize in soul-touching praise worship for hours during his ministry’s Sunday services

It is one “out of this world” praise worship that, usually and evidently captures the souls, something beyond the ordinary.

A more curious observation further reveals Senior Prophet Gbemiga Adetuberu as also out of the ordinary. In a brief chat, he reveals: “I actually started at the age of seven, like a vision, but my call was confirmed at the age of eight by some prophets who came to Nigeria from Ghana”

“They called me “the young prophet”, stressing the message that my mission on earth is to serve God”

“At such a tender age, I got invited to many opportunities to minister in Ghana, London, Scotland and other places. Through this, the news about the young prophet spread like wildfire”

“But the devil struck. I left God for a while at the age of 20 and was into all sorts of things, including drugs. I even contested for ‘Mr. Nigeria’. However, I was extremely lucky to retrace my steps back to Jesus at the age of 25”

“Although people were still calling me prophet while I was in the world, but life outside Jesus was full of ups and downs. It was empty”.

“There is a big lesson in it, however. God made me to realize that He loves someone out there and that the saving Grace of God is forgiveness of sins”

“That is how I was able to retrace my step and started this ministry with eight people”, said G.F. Adetuberu who now has thousands of followers all over the globe.

The prophet reveals that just like his journey in life, The Vine TV is not going to follow the path of others, but stressed that it is essentially for evangelism.

“The “word” tells us to go into the world, and we cannot do this without a network. The reason for the mission is to reach the world because I am called to the world and generations. Evangelism is not only for people around you”

“Now we are connected to the world. We get calls and preach to people outside the country. I must stress that our vision is not money. We heal and deliver people but we don’t take money. This is strange to many people. God, however, uses kind-hearted people to bless us. For instance, our new hall in Lagos was given to us freely”, he said

The healings, deliverances and preachings of Prophet Adetuberu raise some curiosity too as they resemble the style of the late T.B. Joshua.

“Yes, many people take me up on this, but the fact is that I never met him till his death. Many even say I am his son or brother but I was born into this mission by parents who are servants of God. My father is a great apostle and my mother runs a ministry”

“Initially, my perception of the late T.B. Joshua was a two-fenced issue. While growing up, I only stumbled on his programme once, and I did not really believe him, but later, as a man of God, I took a neutral position. Many of my friends and classmates all over the world attest to my call from youth” said Adetuberu whose Faith and Miracle Ministry has its headquarters in Ibadan.

2nd October 2021 0 comment

Broadcasting

FIBAN: Another Look At Broadcasting

by Soji Ajibade 10th July 2021

written by Soji Ajibade

To some people, this might be described as a peep into the unknown. To many however it is a journey through an identifiable terrain. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a step, unlike the broadcasting journey that could begin with a bi-labial or a labiodental consonant sound.

The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission NBC, on several occasions, has been advised officially or otherwise to look more into the programme presentations and production aspects of Radio and Television broadcast, now that we have what people describe as proliferation of FM Radio and Television Stations. Apart from the penalties assigned to unethical and unprofessional conducts on Air, the National Broadcasting Commission need to pay more attention to content delivery and other aspects of Radio/TV production and presentation.

A strong school of thought believes and still adheres strictly to the fact that Broadcasters are born and even though they could be eventually “made”, the in-born potentialities and talents need to be showcased.

This, according to the foundation National President of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria – FIBAN Alhaji Olalomi Amole is the bedrock of the coming to life of the Association.

The whole thing started in Ibadan, Oyo State of Nigeria, at a ceremony where most of the foundation members were present. It was argued that if artisans and other business groups could come together in the form of Associations, why not those of them who belong to the group of Presenters and Producers on Radio and Television who were not taking salaries or not paid any necessary remuneration from related organisations.

That was the take-off point, with Alhaji Olalomi Amole, Alhaji Gboyega Lawal, Niyi Akinboade, Akomolafe Olaiya in the saddle. While answering questions on why is it necessary to have another association apart from NUJ and RATTAWU, Alhaji Olalomi Amole reiterated the need to have an independent body as the full meaning of the acronym implies: “Freelance” and “Independent” Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN).

Freelancers, as expatiated further by the foundation president of the group, are entitled to some stipends from the organisations they work for, while the Independent ones only buy air-time for their various programmes.

As carefully observed, there are many presenters and producers who don’t belong to this group as freedom of association happens to be a fundamental human right as entrenched in the country’s constitution.

Freelancers who receive stipends from government and other broadcast agencies, automatically “dance” to the “tune” of their various organisations, as against the Independent Broadcasters.

In defence of FIBAN members not being trained, Alhaji Amole came out boldly using his own experience in Radio Nigeria as a case study. There, in Radio Nigeria then, all presenters and producers were exposed to various trainings, workshops and seminars from where he benefited immensely. Members of the Association also benefited from the various training programmes organised by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). Now, the Association itself has invested heavily on training and re-training programmes of its members both at the national and state levels.

Most of the presenters and independent broadcasters who use English language find it difficult to associate with the presenters who use their local languages; they look down on them for reasons best known to them. With the realities on ground, however, some of them cannot but pitch their tent with the Association.

The Association at the onset was code named ARATREP which was just an Association of Radio and Television Freelance Presenters. It was a memorable occasion, however, when Olalomi Amole was selected to be the foundation President. The occasion was even presided over by the notable Ibadan Chief and frontline politician, Chief Adisa Akinloye.

For the group to take-off in Ibadan and still remain there, made the scope myopic in a sense. The group however embarked on a transformation drive and the first port of call was Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital where the late Gbenga Adeboye gave them a rousing welcome and undaunted support.

The name was changed to National Union of Freelance and Independent Broadcasters (NUFIB). Based on legal advice that;

Only pressure groups wear the “UNION” toga
“UNION” can only be used within government and Labour circles.

So, the word UNION was changed to ASSOCIATION and the FREELANCE and INDEPENDENT BROADCASTERS’ ASSOCIATION was “born” with Alhaji Olalomi Amole at the helm of affairs. The first Vice President was Gbenga Adeboye. We also had the second vice president then.

Coming next as president after Olalomi Amole was Fatai Dan Kazeem of Ilorin, Ambrose Somide, Yemi Sonde. Comrade Desmond Nwachukwu is now steering the ship of the Association as National President.

The dream of the association is that of expanding the coast and allow real professionals to come on board and impact positively on the citizenry.

The task of Educating, Informing and Entertaining which form the tripod stand on which the pendulum of broadcasting rotates has now been enhanced by this group of people who are more than ready to enhance and expand the coast of broadcasting in Nigeria and particularly in all the states and beyond.

“The more we are the more the share of honor”. This parlance is quite relevant to the significance of FIBAN as far as broadcasting is concerned now and in the future.

10th July 2021 0 comment

Broadcasting

Balarabe Ilelah and The NBC

by Clement Ige 19th June 2021

written by Clement Ige

There is likely to be no relationship between the two ‘Balarabes’; Late Balarabe Musa and Balarabe Ilelah, the newly appointed Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission.

Although Balarabe Musa was widely known as a socialist, and Balarabe Ilelah also practised as a journalist in the Soviet Union, Musa came from Kaduna while Ilelah is from Bauchi. But history has a role in names.

In the same vein, there is no point digging into the circumstances of how the new NBC Director General was appointed. Instead, we must give kudos to Prof. Armstrong Idachaba for leading the Commission for about 16 months during which the agency went through turbulences.

Professor Armstrong Idachaba was the Director, Broadcast Policy and Research, until his appointment in February, 2020, to oversee the office of the Director General of the Commission. His appointment followed the suspension of Mallam Is’haq Modibbo Kawu.

One way or the other, the position is regarded as political, even when civil servants occupied the office. This is underscored by the fact that the new DG, Balarabe Ilelah, is a good follower of President Buhari according to some checks on him. These checks, however, also revealed him as a professional broadcaster and media practitioner in Nigeria and Soviet Union.

To be sure, the NBC parades good hands and through-bred professionals; one reason the Commission has been able to move ahead even when notable hands retired from the place. For instance, Engr. Ukwela Friday who retired from the Agency as Director of Engineering about a year ago, had a good successor, Engr. Ngozi Eke. And going by the encomiums poured on Dr. Tony Anigala who retired few days ago as the Commission’s Director of Broadcast Monitoring, a good successor was also already on ground, Mrs Franca Aiyetan.

Anigala worked as one amiable professional, but he operated mostly during the Commission’s public trial, just like Idachaba. As a matter of fact, the Agency suspended the Human Rights Radio few days to Anigala’s retirement, in addition to sanctions recently imposed on Channels TV and Inspiration FM.

Before the appointment of Idachaba as Acting DG, the Commission was going through financial scandals allegedly involving the former substantive Director-General, Kawu, who was also appointed by the current federal administration. As at now, it is not sure the smell is over, and this could be the take-off challenge of the new DG, Balarabe Ilelah.

Professionally, however, Ilelah’s challenges will have to be closely monitored by observers from the point of view of the current human rights challenges of the Presidency. Other than being a good follower of Buhari, Ilelah is described as a veteran broadcaster; a score-sheet that does not indicate or point to the fact that he is coming with “cargoes”.

Therefore, Ilelah is expected to clean up his new table in a way to forge a dynamic era of broadcast administration for NBC. This is a professional challenge, and important in view of the fact that his era will cover the 2023 elections in Nigeria. The administration of the 2023 elections is a huge task for NBC, going by the current political awareness in Nigeria and recent happenings in the broadcast industry.

The industry must also admit the fact that it faces serious economic problems, some of which the federal government has addressed as palliative measures. But the issues of engineering, monitoring and enforcement are great challenges that operators of licences treat with kid gloves, professionally. It is important to point this out since the economy of the operators, as a reflection of the general economy of the country, determines the perception of most broadcast stations of these vital areas. How well the new DG tackles them will shape the future of the broadcast industry.

There is also the issue of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) which was receiving commendable attention from the Commission before Balarabe’s appointment.

Few days ago, the Agency met with DSO stakeholders to re-strategise and work together for a speedy roll-out of digital signals, while ensuring complete coverage of all locations across Nigeria.

There are many more challenges, but the broadcast industry in Nigeria awaits a dynamic regime from Balarabe Ilelah.

19th June 2021 0 comment

Broadcasting

The Society, NBC and Broadcast Stations

by Clement Ige 8th May 2021

written by Clement Ige

The socio-economic situation of Nigeria is currently chaotic, and this is not the best of times for government agencies that are saddled with regulatory actions on behalf of the state.

Even as prices skyrocket, pockets are ‘dry’. Tension reigns politically as the bandits daily rub salts on our injuries. Objective appraisals of actions and inactions are not readily available as transferred aggressions become a daily order.

The media is not left out in this scenario, a situation which reminds us of Julian Assange’s words that: “Nearly every war that has started in the past 50 years has been a result of media lies.”

Media lies? Many of us will readily disagree with ourselves. But the media is part of the society, and the society is essentially a symbol of the media.

Media reports reflect the society; they are situation room assessments of what the society wants to know and hear to be updated. Yet, such reports are indications of survival strategies of the media in a messy socio-economic situation such as obtainable now in Nigeria.

Last April 25^th, a Sunday, one IPOB spokesperson allegedly made inciting statements on Channels TV programme – “Politics Today.” Broadcasting Regulatory body, NBC, quickly moved into action, ordering immediate suspension of the programme.

Going by reports, the “inciting” statement could be the immediate reason behind NBC’s action, but IPOB is a state proscribed organization, essentially.

Naturally, reactions came with articulated positions, particularly from the Guild of Editors and the national headquarters of the NUJ. Both the Guild and NUJ could not stand by and watch media houses being threatened by regulatory agencies such as NBC. After all, Sheik Gumi had parleys with proscribed terrorists and such events were featured by some stations. They were not sanctioned. Good point.

But beyond this, there was a way out in their reactions which advised the NBC to drop the idea of issuing threats to broadcast stations over matters that could easily be resolved through dialogue.

Could that be the reason that informed Channels TV’s apology to NBC? This is a big question because the media does not also expect NBC to stand by and watch stations “break” their existing codes. In all of this, there are professional lessons for the industry.

Part of the lessons can be discerned from the message of NUJ’s National President, Chief Chris Isiguzo, at the World Press Freedom Day workshop during the week where he referred to the worsening security and economic situations of the country under which the media operates. He specifically advised journalists to remain courageous to “report factually and truthfully.” Chief Isiguzo crowned it all by urging journalists to resist the urge to become part of the challenge of the country by becoming overtly emotional and pandering to their own primordial sentiments in their reportage. Journalism, he advised, is for public good.

Displaying exceptional maturity, he tasks journalists that: “The nation is currently experiencing a plethora of challenges; we are in a nation in an undeclared war and this situation tasks our patriotism and professionalism.”

We cannot capture the current situation under which the media operates better than this. The irony, however, is that there exist laws, broadcasting codes, that are regarded as too harsh, and do not accommodate a complete waiver. They are available to broadcast stations, and some border on national security.

This is the challenge for NBC which has already imposed a five million naira fine each on Channels TV and Inspiration FM, Lagos, which fell into the same trap days after the former’s action.

Acting DG of NBC, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, while explaining reasons for the imposition of the fines said the commission actually avoided stiffer penalty of shutting the stations down temporarily by suspending their licences, stressing that they violated sections of the Nigeria Broadcasting Codes which are classified as ‘CLASS A’ offences.

The NBC, he said, reviewed the apologies and appeals of the two stations, and decided to set aside the option of suspension of their licences.

As it is, the terrain is very sensitive, and very slippery. But the shock is why Inspiration FM exercised its editorial judgment to fall into the same trap clearly one week after a station allegedly committed same, and also came back to apologize to NBC. There is still a confusion here, or a suspicion, which could account for the reason NBC had to impose the fines.

For the society to get the best of the broadcast journalism it deserves in our current struggle for political survival, there is an urgent need to search a way out since NBC must perform its duty for as long as the outrageous penalties exist in their codes. Analysts believe that relaxed penalties and restraints in exercising them are enough cautions and signals to the media. We must commence a journey immediately to achieve this.

But are media practitioners also aware that the formulation of some of these codes and penalties are traceable to ideas by their colleagues? Another day.

8th May 2021 0 comment

COSON-king-sunny-ady-ebinezer-obey-onyeka-owenu

Broadcasting

Broadcast Copyright And The Comedy Of A Struggle

by Clement Ige 10th April 2021

written by Clement Ige

The analysis of the copyright struggle in Nigeria elicits comedy, painful comedy.

As a strong supporter, I have watched the comedy of the struggle symbolized by “genuine” professional friends, playing politics with a good source of their means of livelihood.

There is no point going into the reasons behind such politics but every evidence points to the acknowledgement of the early frontline and leadership roles of the MCSN. Then much later, Okoroji came up with COSON.

Okoroji, a former president of PMAN, drew a large number of the musicians to his COSON. How he was able to do this is not a subject of discussion for this piece, but the fact remains that he became the president of PMAN after King Sunny Ade was the first president and Ebenezer Obey, the first chairman. There is also a relevant point here; Okoroji is a smart guy and a good achiever, sometimes with controversies. This was evident in the process that led to his election as the president of PMAN. He was mostly known as a music producer with only one album to his credit prior to the election, and this drew reactions from members.

Suddenly, Okoroji’s COSON became a toast, almost rubbing off the gains MCSN already attracted through years of struggle, and by extension, the existing unity among the musicians. For instance, Ebenezer Obey, Sir Victor Uwaifor, Onyeka Onwenu and King Sunny Ade, who was then the chairman of MCSN, were good friends professionally. But the first three went with Okoroji’s COSON and they became a good force for the group. This action, however, did not relegate MCSN because Orits Wiliki and a lot of the intellectual minds of the music industry stayed with the Society.

The struggle continued with COSON gaining upper legal hands, sometimes. And victory is sweet. So, Okoroji was seen to be riding high.

Yes, victory is also sweet for MCSN as it received the final victory from the Supreme Court last year. With this, there is a turn around and there is a fix, a sort of confusion for many musicians.

The problem here is that music is the major source of creative content for the broadcast industry as well as a good source of income for the copyright owners, the musicians. What is the way forward?

MCSN moved swiftly after its victory by appointing KSA as honorary president in a restructure to consolidate its victory. It also moved quietly to seek a working relationship with PMAN, the umbrella body for all musicians in Nigeria.

Mayo Ayilaran, MCSN’s Chief Executive and a legal guru, said while announcing KSA’s appointment: “MCSN is expected to leverage on the vast experience and network of KSA in pushing the cause of the musical Society”.

He also announced that the Society’s GoCreate App is going live immediately to monitor the use of Nigerian musicians’ works digitally, online and offline. To be sure, this is a commendable move in a dynamic digital world.

Yet, the comedy continues.

For instance, there is a very unclear reason why the police is reportedly going after Okoroji. Reasons have not been given, but the PMAN President recently made a public statement which probably indicated problems that are not yet clear to the public over royalties allegedly collected by Okoroji or COSON.

Analysts are, however, of the opinion that the situation calls for cohesion and unity among the top shots of the music industry, particularly with the victory of MCSN at the Supreme Court.

Divisions are clearly not in their own interest in order to reap harvests of their sweats. As said earlier, the comedy of the whole struggle is that they are all friends, good friends, professionally.

Apart from being friends, analysts also view the struggle between them as an extension of the Nigerian societal crisis. Many of them think that a well-structured collecting society is enough for the country, explaining that if there were problems with MCSN as the first licensed organization, efforts should have been concluded on re-organisation and restructuring instead of divisive steps that led to rival groups. Such moves, analysts think retard the growth of the music industry and only fuel actions that toy with the means of livelihood of the practitioners.

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10th April 2021 0 comment

Broadcasting

Pioneering Private Broadcasting The Galaxy Television Experience

by Soji Ajibade 30th January 2021

written by Soji Ajibade

Broadcasting is a global phenomenon, which serves as an essential aspect of any nation’s socio-cultural life. The significance of Broadcasting cannot be over-emphasized hence private broadcasting in Nigeria was enabled in 1992 by the Federal Government that saw privatization of the electronic media as a very good Legacy.

The National Broadcasting Commission the (NBC) was established, with the special charge to ensure that Private Radio and Television Licenses are issued to broadcasters to serve society in an ethically responsible manner, after receiving, processing and considering applications, for the establishment ownership or operation of Radio and Television Stations.

Generally the commission also has the basic responsibility of advising the Federal Government on the implementation of the National Mass Communication Policy with particular reference to Broadcasting.

Galaxy Television, Nigeria’s first independent Television Station, now based in Lagos, Ibadan and Akure is the first Licensed Private Television Station in Nigeria. Apart from being the first to be licensed, it was also the first to start broadcasting.

Galaxy Television started full broadcasting in May 1994 from Oke Are, Ibadan with a 10kilowalts Aerodyne transmitter.

One might wonder or be puzzled as to why Oke Are Ibadan happened to be the take off base of this unique Television Station.

The idea as whispered by the Bound of Management led by Chief Steve Ojo, was for the T.V station to start broadcasting from Lagos. Eventually Lagos was discovered to be unduly costly considering Location, Accommodation and other logistic challenges.

A cheaper, historical, more convenient (with a sort of altitude gain) was discovered in Oke-Are.

Oke-Are for example was the main base of the foremost Rediffusion station which was the fore-runner of Radio Broadcasting in Nigeria.

Galaxy Televisionmaintained the No. 1 spot with a 60-70 percent viewership in Oyo, Osun, Ogun and part of Lagos state. What with big programmes like “BE MY GUEST” produced and presented by Ace Broadcaster, Ayo Ojurongbe, and versatile sports programmer and presenter, Emenike Agu, just to mention a few. Most of these programmes are still being rated, long after most of them have disappeared from the Air waves.

We need to mention however that soon after take off in 1994, a technical hitch was experienced and for a couple of mouths the station was off the air waves. It however bounced back with a lot of innovations and mind bungling programmes. In January 2002, Galaxy TV Lagos was launched, but not without initial challenges. The misconception of the fact that whatever is acceptable and accepted as good programming in any place, would be so in any other sphere; Exporting the “good” programmes from Ibadan to Lagos almost led to a disaster. It later dawned on the management then, that in Broadcasting, it is “different strokes” for “different folks”.

Galaxy Television bounced back on a tremendous note and has since maintained top rating with other station in Lagos. Galaxy TV Lagos presently covers the Lagos metropolis, Ikorodu, Epe, Shagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta e.t.c.

The Station is also on GOTV, STARTIMES and Recently DSTV. In the quest of proving its leadership in the world of private broadcasting in Nigeria, GALAXY TV established another station in Akure, Ondo state which was launched in 2012.

In addition to a National license, this has enabled the station to transmit to all parts of Nigeria.

CHALLENGES

Being the first Private Television Station in Nigeria, a lot of challenges were faced and some are still being faced till date.

Financial Implication

Setting up of a television station requires a lot of funds to procure items of equipment for transmission and production e.t.c since the business is privately owned a lot of funds have to come from the owners or through loans.

Professional Standards

In order to maintain high professional standards, Stations have to acquire copyrights to materials/programmes for transmission.

Power

Due to epileptic power supply being experienced in the country, the stations have continued to generate its own power since inception; this, evidently is capital intensive.

Economic Issues

The high cost of foreign exchange for purposes of broadcasting, spare parts and allied equipment and maintenance became a problem early in the operation of Stations. Owing to the uneven Socio-Political and economic landscape, the management of Stations soon became characterized by financial problems ranging from staff remuneration and welfare, to dwindling revenue and profits.

Technological Advancement

Frequent innovations in Technology requires that private Television Stations stay up to date, in upgrading their equipment in order to stay in top form in the competition including training and retraining of the members of staff.

Start-up risk of acceptability and profitability Commercial Success

Several members of staff of other private broadcasting stations benefited immensely from Galaxy TV. It was and still remains a basic training ground and a launching pad for most of them.
Over the years, according to sources Galaxy TV has maintained a top spot in private broadcasting business and has won several Laurels for this, hence the Large Audience and Customer base.

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30th January 2021 0 comment

Broadcasting

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) And The Rest Of Us

by Soji Ajibade 28th November 2020

written by Soji Ajibade

I want to welcome all to this third submission in the series which I believe all stakeholders, familiar with this column must have been yearning to objectively study and assess.

It is noteworthy at this point in time to stress the basic objective of the National Broadcasting code which is to nurture freedom and responsibility, in strict observance of professionalism.”

The various advantages of having more privately owned broadcasting stations have been stated to include competition in terms of professionals’ salaries, various remunerations and welfare but as things are now, how do we identify the real professionals on one hand before we even grabble with the financial implications involved.

WHO ARE THE BROADCAST PROFESSIONALS?

Broadcasting organizations are run by certain departments which are common to them all. However there could be individual organizations’ modifications for administrative convenience.

These are:

The Programmes Department; Where we have the producers and presenters and the allies like audio or Soundmen hitherto referred to as Studio Managers and in Television houses, the Cameramen, Lighting Men, Graphic Artists, Transmission Directors and some others.
NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS
This is concerned with the production of news and current affairs programmers, Reporters, News Editions, Newscasters; News Producers are involved in this.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
As the name implies this is where all Technical and Engineering works go on. Here we have the Technician, Engineers including all those concerned with the management of the transmitters, various machines and items of equipment, vehicles, electricity generators, cameras and other technical works.

Other departments like the administrative and commercial are also included but we want to stress the emphasis on the three aforementioned for the purpose of this write-up.

By Nigerian standard these days, professionals in the electronic media must have passed through a tertiary institution with relevant degrees or diplomas as the case may be, usually in the field of Mass Communications, Broadcasting Engineering, or other disciplines. Subsequent on the job training are given to the qualified ones. In the past when the basic secondary school education was the minimum requirement equipment, the voice test was an important yardstick.

Having gone through a list of those involved in broadcasting activities, and those we can refer to as professionals, we can now submit with all emphasis that as quack doctors could be responsible for undue deaths of patients, so quack broadcasters are responsible for the dearth in quality of programmes being dished out by our various Radio and Television stations be they state or privately owned.

How many of our producers and presenters have subjected themselves to rigorous training? Specialized training institutes are almost begging people to come for admission. What is the annual enrolment of prospective students into the; NTA College, Jos, affiliated to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, The International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) Abuja, an affiliate of University of Maiduguri and Akwo Ibom State University, The Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) Ogba Lagos, now churning out qualified graduates, not forgetting the FRCN Training School, Shogunle, Lagos which has been upgraded to a recognized Monothecnic, and standard online courses such as offered by this medium. As vibrant as these institutions are, few prospective students seek admission into them.

What we have now is direct “apprenticeship” under a “presenter”, who collects undue money for the so called training. It is sad note that even the “known presenters” themselves need to undergo some training. Most of them could be described as “Sham”, giving out in a way what they don’t have.

NBC-Prof-Amstrong-Idachaba — Prof. Amstrong Idachaba

This is an outright departure from one of the responsibilities of the National Broadcasting Commission which is “Setting Standards through the National Broadcasting Code on acceptable content and quality of programme and non-programme materials broadcast in Nigeria.”

Now with the hundreds of FM Radio Stations. In the country, Nigeria cannot boast of real qualified Broadcast Engineers to man even one in a hundred of these stations. In the place of qualified engineers, all we can boast of are “Trial and Error Engineers and “cut and join technicians” a far cry from another responsibility of “Approving transmitten power, location or stations, areas of coverage and types of broadcasting equipment to be used”.

Where are the professionals when friends, relatives, fellow politicians, colleagues, and other people who have no flair for broadcasting and drafted to do a job they don’t have any knowledge about under the guise of employment strategy. This is a Nigerian factor; the commission needs to look into, as many of these stations are dying untimely deaths due to professional deficiency.

This is sad and it gives credence to one other basic disadvantage in the advent of privately owned radio and television stations which include:

Undue competitions among broadcasting stations in terms of; staffing, programming style, sponsorship and coverage area.
Lack of professional competence to handle News and Programme in order to “steal” audience
Salaries and wages are arbitrary and most of the packages (where they exist) are not commensurate. This is a negative trend, serving to discourage the real professionals.

“To be or not to be, that is the question” this is what should be boldly written on our mind of minds as far as ‘BROADCASTING’ is concerned in Nigeria so as not to pretend to be living while being certified “clinically dead”.

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28th November 2020 0 comment

Campus-radio-stations-The-Influence-Of-Campus-Rad

Broadcasting

The Influence Of Campus Radio On Youths

by Akin George 21st November 2020

written by Akin George

Campus Radio Stations

Campus radio (also known as college radio, university radio or student radio) is a type of radio station that is run by the students of a college, university or other educational institutions. Programming may be exclusively by students, or may include programmers from the wider community in which the radio station is based. Sometimes campus radio stations are operated for the purpose of training professional radio personnel, sometimes with the aim of broadcasting educational programmes, while other radio stations exist to provide alternatives like commercial broadcasting or broadcasting by government owned media.

Campus radio stations are generally licensed and regulated by governments, and have very different characteristics from one country to another. What is common between many of these radio stations regardless of their physical location is a licensing requirement to broadcast musical selections that are not categorised as commercial hits.

Many campus radio stations carry a variety of programmes including News (often local), Sports (often relating to the campus), and spoken word programmes as well as general music. Often the radio format is best described as a Free-Form, with a lot of creativity and individualism among the disc jockeys and show hosts. A number of these radio stations have gained critical acclaim for their programming and are considered by the community in which they are to be an essential media outlet.

A FOCUS ON LEAD CITY FM 89.1

Lead City FM Radio station is a campus radio situated in Lead City University Campus Along Oba Otudeko Avenue Lagos Ibadan Express way Ibadan. This radio station kicked off in January 2016. Unlike other FM radio stations, Lead City FM was issued with a community license and guided by some rules and regulations for its operations.

The word community could be defined by a territorial space or social interest that may be cultural, political, economic, professional, etc. The important thing about a community is that it consists of people who share common interests, values, characteristics and goals. They may be physically domiciled in one geographical entity or physically separated but socially united in their goals. The community License given to Lead City FM restricted its coverage to some certain parts of Ibadan. Going beyond this coverage range may attract fine on the station by the NBC.

Campus radio is one of the last places where advertisers don’t display the play list, subversive speech is encouraged and strange sounds don’t mean you should call the plumber. Young people across the nation are bringing back lost recordings, introducing the next big thing, embracing multiculturalism better than the average anthropologist and giving a voice to the millennial generation that shakes up the stereotype they have been saddled with.

Campus-radio-stations-Nigeria-Broadcasting-Code-On-Campus-Broadcasting

Campus radio offers several benefits both strategically and pedagogically: it is a strategic advantage when appealing to new immigrants and international students. It is a key medium for universities to reach out to and interact with their communities. It is an excellent tool to improve multimedia class projects Lead City FM Radio station plays an important role in the student’s academics it not only informs, but also inspires students to learn more and more. It not only includes values and virtues, but also creates attitudes, interests and appreciation to their lives. It can cover a very wide area at the same time. Lead City FM radio fosters the sense of unity and integrity among the students. The cultural programmes, debates, talks, through broadcast involve a strong desire among the students to know each and other’s culture and values.

Entertainment is an important aspect of human life. Radio is the most popular mass medium through which leisure is carefully utilized through song, drama and other cultural, programmes. It also provides information about various popular hobbies and leisure time activities. It gives happiness and joy through various programme to the students populace.

Vocational information about production and consumption practices in industry and agriculture, use of manures and highbred seed, employment news are broadcast by this radio station through many of their Radio Programmes, regarding self-employment and talks by professionals.

Lead City FM Campus radio offers strategic advantage when appealing to new incoming students. It is a key medium for universities to reach out to and interact with their communities. It is an excellent tool to improve multimedia class projects.

Lead city FM 89.1 Situated on the campus of Lead City University has a great influence on the students and staff of the university and also on the youths around that community. Some students who have talents and are gifted academically and are also into music have an opportunity to showcase their talents and gifts on various related progammes on the radio. Members of staff of the university also have a great opportunity to have access to first hand information about the situation of things generally. The FM station is licensed to advertise products and goods within the campus community. The school also has the opportunity to place advert about the school admission and other activities on campus for the students’ information.

In conclusion, the establishment of an FM radio station on the campus attracts more youths to the school and enhances the admission of students to the University.

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21st November 2020 0 comment

Broadcasting

Commercial Broadcasting: Development and Dynamism

by Soji Ajibade 8th August 2020

written by Soji Ajibade

Political activists before Independence might not want to agree in all totality that no matter how Colonialism might have been negatively tainted, Broadcasting in Africa particularly Nigeria is one of the gains Nigeria had from Colonialism.

Nigeria for example was a colony of Britain, meaning that Nigeria was governed by people from another country which was more powerful, and that was Britain. Nigeria was not the only country in the saddle. There was the “Empire” which actually came to live in 1932 and was divided into five zones, Canada, South Africa, India, Australia and West Africa.

The foundation of Broadcasting was laid by Sir John Reith, who was Director General of the Britain Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) when he conceived the idea of “Empire Broadcasting”. As far as he was concerned, “Empire Broadcasting” would solve the problem of isolation and loneliness, the twin problems faced by the Colonialists, and the natives themselves, coupled with the idea of allowing the natives to appreciate and welcome some of the amenities and culture.

The first step Broadcasting took to enter Nigeria was the introduction of wired Broadcasting known as “Rediffusion” a Radio Distribution Service System which formally took off and was commissioned in Lagos. Subscribers’ responded massively to its introduction. But the Second World War came (1939-1945), which could not have come and gone without its effects.

When relay service was launched in Nigeria in 1932 to re-broadcast UK-originated radio programmes. In 1935, a similar service was established in Ghana (then Gold Coast). Kenya already had a small relay station for her white settlers by 1928 (only one year when the British Broadcasting corporation come into being. 1n 1953 however a radio service was started for the Black Kenyans.

In Nigeria after the second World War, a 300 watt short wave transmitter was installed in 1948 under the name Radio Nigeria, which was to relay British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) signals, with one hour in the evening for local programmes which included; Entertainment, News and local announcements.

In 1951, the Nigerian Broadcasting Service came on board, thereby ending the operation of the Radio Distribution Service (RDS). The Nigeria Broadcasting Service established stations in Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ijebu-ode, Warri (West) Onitsha, Port-Harcourt, Calabar, Katsina, Zaria, and Kano (North). After the regional independence however, the Western Region government demanded and got its own broadcast station on October 31, 1959, when it founded the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service (WNBS), which also championed the advent of Television Broadcast.

With WNTV as a Television Station coming up in 1959, (the 60th anniversary was celebrated last year 2019). The commercial Radio Station WNBS actually started in May, 1960.

One might wonder why and how this could be made possible and how viable.

The struggle for independence led credence to the fact that most of the goods that were imported into the country could be produced locally. The tilt towards industrialization provided a suitable platform for commercial adverts on Radio. The Genesis of commercial broadcasting.

With a 3 hours non-stop musical program WNBS ON THE MOVE. It was easy for advertorial jingles to be infused rather than into other Drama programmes and shows. This might affect the flow of the programmes, making things sound untidy.

WNBS ON THE MOVE became quite popular commanding then, a very large audience, hence the suitable and conducive platform for commercial slots.

House hold and Domestic consumables that were produced by Lever Brothers, UAC and other Big Companies, even though their raw materials were still being imported, got their slots, and commercial broadcasting established its foothold.

This year 2020 we are marking the 60^th anniversary of this giant stride in the history of Broadcasting which other regional Radio and Television Stations took the cue from.

The former government of Eastern Nigeria came up with its own Television Station in 1960. The Northern Regional government established a television station, an arm of the Broadcasting Company of Northern Nigeria in 1962. In Kaduna we also had the Radio Kaduna Television owned jointly by the Northern Nigeria Regional Government and the British Television Company. The Federal government established its own Television Station, Nigerian Television Services (NTS) in 1962, confined only to Lagos. The Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) took over the station, when the American partnership was terminated.

It is quite note worthy to mention that in the continent of Africa. The Egyptian Television went on air in 1960 but significantly on a much larger scale than those of Nigerians as it took off on the outset with three different simultaneous programmes channels; Arabic, English and French compared to the WNTV for example which had a single 2-camera studio. Interestingly a major feature of the Egyptian set-up was that it had more than enough facilities which could be found only in Europe and America, this was 1979. The level of the professional entertainment status of Egypt was high as they had long been the home of Arab film Industry (probably the third and fouth largest in the world) after Hollywoods (U.S.A), Bollywood (India) Pime Woods (Britain).

In Nigerian, the Mid-West region was carved out of Western Nigeria and it seemed natural that the Mid-West region, a creation out of the trail-blazing Western Region would establish a television station in as short a time as possible but this did not happen until 1973 when it was launched in Benin-City.

After the Nigerian Civil war the old Eastern region, spilt up into four states and by and before 1976 we had Anambra Television, (old Enugu 1960), Imo (Owerri/Aba 1960, Rivers Television (Port-Harcourt 1974) and Cross River (Calabar, 1976, Benue-Plateau TV Jos came on air incolour in July 1974 emerging as the first television station in the country to go fully colour.

dr kayode fayemi ngf chairman — DR KAYODE FAYEMI NGF CHAIRMAN

North-West or Sokoto States Rima Television came on board almost at the same time with Kano State Television in 1976. The twelve state governments then had nine functioning television stations; West/Oyo (Ibadan) Kaduna (Kaduna), Benue-Plateau (Jos), Anambra Enugu, Imo (Owerri) Rivers Port-Harcourt), Cross River (Calabar), Kano (Kano), Sokoto (Sokoto) with the Federal station, the NBC/TV Lagos making the tenth.

The creation of more states along the lines as politically expedient, also gave room for the establishment of more state owned Radio and Television stations such as OSBC, Ondo which later transformed to OSRC, Ekiti State Broadcasting Service after Ekiti State was carved out of the Old Ondo State, OSBC, Osogbo, owned by Osun State Government and many others in all the Six Geo-Political Zones.

As could be observed, the WNTV gave way to the establishment of many Television stations not only in Nigeria but all over the Africa continent. In Nigeria today, each state can boast of at least two Television stations; one each for the federal and state governments. Later, the federal might came up with more local stations in each of the states.

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) was established in 1992 to monitor and regulate Broadcasting in Nigeria. As a result, licenses were given out to quite a number of private Radio stations; Eko Fm, Ray Power Fm, all in Lagos.

The private Television stations include; Galaxy Television Ibadan (1994), Degue Broadcasting Network (DBN), African Independence Television (AIT), Channels Television, Murhi International Television (MiTV).

Right now South-West Nigeria and indeed Nigeria and Africa can boast of so many commercial and community Fm radio stations operating on the basic Terrestrial and even Online (Internet).

8th August 2020 0 comment

Broadcasting

How NBC Controls Broadcast Industry

by Soji Ajibade 6th June 2020

written by Soji Ajibade

The Focus of the Second Submission in the serial will be a take-off from what we mentioned briefly while “signing off” in the first part.

HALLMARK OF CHANGE IN THE BROADCASTING SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

Contrary to speculations, the hallmark of change in the system will go a long way as far as the much needed National Development is concerned. Many Channels and choices of programmes to watch and listen to will be available for the audience and it will also brighten the average Nigerian Horizon towards Technological development all over the world.

The Advertising industry can now move up in leaps and bounds as the era of government monopoly of the airwaves is gone forever.

With the advent or establishment of many private Radio and Television Stations it was envisaged that the audience, as mentioned above will have choices of Television and Radio Channels and there would be positive changes in the production of materials with the help of checks and balances as provided by the (NBC).

Now, one can think of Sanity in the Broadcasting industry and Profession with new and better programme inventions and ideas. The Competition will also bring about various changes in terms of remunerations, allowances and welfare.

Changes too are envisaged in the advertising industry where advertisers have quite a number of Stations to choose from in adverts placement.

Undue rivalry however has prevented the much needed collaboration, networking and exchange of programmes among the various broadcasting stations for the promotion of the much needed national development.

The broadcast Industry now can boast of more quacks and ill equipped professionals than any other of its kind in Nigeria. There is lack of professional competence where so called producers and presenters battle to steal audience most, if not all the community FM Radio Stations are not “dancing “ to the tune of the yearnings and aspirations of the various communities in terms of News Production and Programming. What we now experience is Excessive Broadcast of “foreign“ Programmes.

In 2002, Prof. Jerrry Gana as information Minister declared that government would not tolerate any broadcast that could cause disharmony in the country adding that the NBC had cause in the past to warn some private and state owned Radio and Television stations over materials they transmit to the public.

The Federal government then stressed it was determined to enforce laid down rules and regulations on private Broadcast.

Around this same period, the NBC had accused NTA stations then, of being among those that breach the NBC code on time frame for Alcohol and Tobacco advertisement.

In one of the editions of its publication, “NBC News”. The NTA stations were described as the most consistent offenders which indiscriminately advertised alcoholic products at wrong times, especially during sports.

The “NBC News” also rated Edo Broadcasting service (EBS) Benin City as the worst offender of the 17 stations it indicted of breaching the NBC code, as it evidently flouted the entire spectrum of the NBC code and even ethics. Most stations then, before the 2003 elections were overtaken by all manners of disquieting breaches which had reached an alarming stage. Other stations indicated, included African Independent Television (AIT) Alagbado Lagos, Rhythm FM 93.7, Lagos Cool FM, Lagos, Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Yola, Ondo state Broadcasting Corporations (OSBC) AM, Akure, Plateau Radio-Television (PR TV) Jos, Enugu Broadcasting service (EBS) Enugu, Independent Television (ITV) Benin, Borno State Radio-Television (BRTV) Maiduguri and Taraba State Broadcasting Service (TSBS) Jalingo.

Now that we have many Radio stations scattered all over the Country, it is important and imperative for the effective and efficient discharge of duties and responsibilities for the National Broadcasting Commission to have an adequate insight into the programmes and News related information being disseminated by broadcast media. The Nigeria SUNDAY PUNCH reviewed the activities of the commission on Hip-Hop music in the Country.

“ NBC’s HAMMER CAME DOWN AND ——–“

The National Broadcasting Commission wielded its hammer on “Oliver Twist” a single churned out by multiple Awards winning musician Dbanj

SUNDAY PUNCH, September 11, 2011, pg 46. He was not only the victim, many artistes have come under the sledge hammer of the regulatory body. Such bans have denied many of these artistes and others, Recognition and Award. To some others it is the end of their career. For any benefit of doubt, a list of those who were slammed by the NBC included: Femi Kuti, Charlie Boy, Tuface, Konga, Bigiano, Duncan Mighty, Kelly Handsome, Maye Hunta, Eedris Abdulkareem and others. These musicians have at one time or the other been hit by NBC sledge hammer based on the abuse of the Code, governing the operation and production of music for public consumption.

Recently, the disciplinary tentacles have been extended to producers and Presenters and their various Radio and Television Stations. Many of whom had one time or another been slammed with fines ranging from 100,000 Naira and above which is now being reviewed higher.

Let me submit on a last note for now that if care is not taken, there could be premature “deaths” of some broadcasting stations due to; Lack of patronage by Advertising Companies and Technical know – how in terms of maintenance of items of equipment. This development is very sad as real Broadcast Engineers in the country could be counted on one’s fingertips.

Every other thing is based on “trial and error” managers of broadcasting business are also very few, this is why those found to be in charge of most of the Radio and Television stations that are privately owned are unable to sustain and manage both the latent and manifesting problems of Broadcasting Business.

Broadcasting has gone beyond allowing “Gate-crashers” and Quacks to take it over. We need to be able to read in between lines to be able to put the round pegs in round holes or square pegs in square hole as the case may be.

6th June 2020 0 comment

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