Broadcasters seek information policy to guide responsible professional conduct

In a bid to enhance professionalism, members of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) have stressed the urgent need for a national information policy as a foundation to guide ethical and responsible broadcasting across the country,

Speaking shortly after its national executive committee meeting held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Vice President SNB North Central Zone, Ismail Sani, disclosed the organisation also expressed readiness to collaborate with government bodies, regulatory authorities and private sector partners to advocate priorities aimed at creating a broadcasting environment that serves the public interest, supports the nation’s development goals and upholds integrity of the media on both local and international platforms.

To Sani, the information policy would ensure consistent and fair dissemination of accurate information to the public; equal access to reliable information across all regions of the country, including rural areas.

While recognising risks associated with the profession, the SNB further called for stronger security measures to protect broadcasters, including physical security for those working in challenging or high-risk environments.

as well as cyber security measures to protect data and broadcasting infrastructure from digital treats and safeguarding the integrity of information.

The SNB also reiterated its commitment to the welfare and continuous professional training programmes to equip broadcasters with skills in emerging technologies, ethical journalism, and industry best practices.

The society, in the same vein, assured that it will pursue welfare initiatives aimed at supporting broadcasters’ well-being, enhancing job security, and improving working conditions to promote motivation and long term dedication to the profession.

In conclusion, they appealed to government at all levels to provide appropriate incentives to media houses, in order to ameliorate the unbeatable cost of energy that has forced some broadcasting stations to reduce hours of transmission.