As part of efforts aimed at revitalising the country’s broadcasting industry through innovation, collaboration, capacity building and strategic reforms, the Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), Tony Akiotu, recently inaugurated six ad-hoc committees.

The inauguration brought together managing directors, general managers, veteran broadcasters and media professionals from across the country.

In his address, Akiotu said the committees were constituted not only to fulfil his policy objectives but also to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas between BON members and experienced broadcasting professionals.

He explained that the initiative is designed to strengthen BON’s operations and ensure the organisation plays a more meaningful role in shaping Nigeria’s broadcast media landscape.

To him, “the committees are essentially meant to strengthen the operations of BON, with the objective of ensuring that the umbrella body of broadcast media houses makes more direct and meaningful impact across the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Akiotu also expressed appreciation to veteran broadcasters and professionals who accepted to serve on the committees, describing their wealth of experience as invaluable to building stronger and more effective organisation.

The six committees inaugurated include, content collaboration, programming and innovation; training, skills modernisation and talent development; industry sustainability and cost optimisation; digital transition, regulation and NBC engagement; policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement and national development; sports rights, investment and commercial.

According to him, “the committees will be chaired by members of the BON General Assembly and will work closely with the secretariat in executing their mandate.”

Each committee is expected to submit an interim report within three months, while implementation of approved recommendations is expected within six months. The committees will initially serve a 12-month tenure, subject to extension where necessary.

Speaking further, Akiotu stressed that all committee activities, correspondence and financial transactions would be coordinated through the BON secretariat to ensure transparency, accountability and alignment with the organisation’s objectives.

He urged members to approach their assignments with dedication, reminding them of the nation’s historic position as the first country in Africa to introduce television broadcasting.