The management of Benin-based radio station, OJ 106.3 FM, on Wednesday said the station was established to provide opportunities for talented young people interested in broadcasting but unable to afford airtime.

The Chief Executive Officer of the station, Joy Olabisi Akpaida, who stated this while introducing journalists to the new radio station in Benin, said the essence was to allow for quality programmes and content.

According to the immediate past Head of Benin Centre of DAAR Communications (owners of AIT/Raypower), over the years, many owners of broadcast stations have been after the money without considering the quality of programme individuals are bringing onboard.

The Broadcaster said the act of money above programme quality has been giving her great concern over the years, adding that this prompted the birth of OJ 106.3 FM.

The CEO, who clarified that this does not mean even programmes sponsored or with an advert will be aired free, added: “Of course, eventually they will pay. For instance if you bring a programme on air, and we know that this programme has an advert in it, you will pay us.

“The essence of what we are talking about is to allow for quality programmes and content, and that was what, you know, gave birth to the drive to own a radio station, so that we can give all opportunities, with or without money.”

Asked where she will get funds to keep the station going should she offer programming free to presenters, the CEO said: “There are other salient areas in radio broadcasts that you can make money from, beyond what people churn out every other day, our whole news and programmes.

“So we intend to dive into those other areas where we can raise revenue, while we allow opportunity for young minds, quality content programming and, you know, news, to thrive on radio and, well, eventually online.”

Akpaida, who disclosed that the broadcast station will be live on all social media handles 24 hours, said that the station will hit the airwaves in full once the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) gives the go ahead.

The Broadcaster also disclosed that the station was established to bridge the cap between those at home and in the Diaspora by telling the Edo story to those in the Diaspora and vice versa through online broadcasting.