The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has called for stronger protection for journalists and improved support for broadcast media as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Key Highlights
- BON calls for stronger protection of journalists ahead of the 2027 elections.
- The organisation raises concerns over the arrest, intimidation and detention of journalists.
- BON warns that election-related political pressure and attacks on media workers could increase.
- Broadcasters are facing rising electricity, equipment and operational costs.
- NBC calls for fair and balanced coverage of political parties and candidates.
- Broadcasters are warned to verify AI-generated audio and visual content before publication.
BON Raises Concern Over Journalist Safety
The call was made during the opening of BON’s 82nd General Assembly in Calabar, Cross River State, where broadcasters and other stakeholders discussed the role of the media in Nigeria’s democratic and economic development.
The assembly is themed “Broadcasting Media: Bedrock of Democratic and Economic Advancement in Nigeria.”
Representing the BON Chairman, Sir Tony Akiotu, at the event, the organisation’s Vice Chairman, Isah Yusuf, expressed concern over what he described as increasing cases of journalists being arrested, intimidated and detained while carrying out their professional duties.
Yusuf said such actions could undermine the media’s constitutional responsibility to inform the public and hold institutions accountable.
He therefore appealed to governments and security agencies at all levels to create an environment where journalists can carry out their duties without fear of harassment or intimidation.
BON Warns of Election-Related Attacks
The BON leadership also warned that the approaching election season could expose media organisations and their personnel to increased political pressure, violence and attacks.
The organisation called for measures to prevent political intimidation, thuggery and attacks on media establishments during the electoral process.
BON stressed that journalists and broadcast organisations must be able to report political activities freely while adhering to professional and ethical standards.
Rising Costs Threaten Broadcast Industry
Beyond journalist safety, BON drew attention to the financial difficulties facing radio and television stations across Nigeria.
The organisation cited rising electricity and energy costs, expensive broadcasting equipment, tariffs and other operational expenses as major challenges putting pressure on broadcast businesses.
BON urged the government to introduce policies that would ease the financial burden on broadcasters and support the sustainability of the industry, particularly privately owned stations operating at the state level.
BON Urges Broadcasters to Prioritise Accuracy
The organisation also stressed the need for broadcasters to maintain high professional standards as competition for audience attention and breaking news intensifies.
It urged media practitioners to prioritise accuracy, balance and credibility, warning that the desire to be the first to report an event should not come at the expense of factual reporting or the public interest.
Read also:
- 2027 Elections: Rights Coalition Raises Alarm Over Guns, Political Violence, Intimidation
- Eedris Abdulkareem–Seyi Tinubu Viral Video: Edited Clip Creates False Face-Off
- NBC bans Eedris Abdulkareem’s protest song ‘Tell Your Papa’ from Radio, TV
NBC Warns Broadcasters Ahead of 2027 Elections
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) also used the BON gathering to remind broadcasters of their responsibilities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The commission urged licensed broadcasters to provide fair and balanced coverage of political activities and ensure that registered political parties and candidates receive equitable access to broadcast platforms.
The NBC stressed the importance of responsible election coverage as political activities intensify ahead of the polls.
NBC Raises Alarm Over AI-Generated Content
The commission further raised concerns over the growing use of artificial intelligence to produce and manipulate audio-visual materials.
With AI-generated content becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from authentic recordings, the NBC urged broadcasters to exercise greater caution when sourcing, verifying and publishing information.
It encouraged the industry to embrace emerging technologies responsibly while protecting the credibility and trust audiences place in established broadcast platforms.
Media Safety Takes Centre Stage Ahead of 2027
The discussions at BON’s 82nd General Assembly come as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting placed renewed attention on the safety of journalists, the sustainability and independence of the media, and the responsibility of broadcasters to provide accurate and credible information to Nigerian voters during the electoral process.
For more news updates, follow us on X.
