A Former President of Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mrs Funke Egbemode has identified commercialisation of broadcast media as one of the challenges confronting broadcast development in Nigeria.
Mrs Egbemode stated this at the 2024 Oyo NAWOJ Week Summit tagged “Broadcasting for Development” held at Press Center Iyaganku Ibadan.
According to Egbemode, broadcasting remains one of the effective tools of passing messages to a heterogenous audience, irrespective of cultural political or religious affiliations.
Mrs Funke Egbemode who was also the immediate past Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Osun State, noted that “Brown Envelope” in broadcast media is one of the major issues affecting the development of the sector.
“In the Nigerian context, one of such issues that affects the development of broadcast media is the concept of broadcast media commercialisation. Commercialisation of broadcast media is one of the most recent but dangerous developments. We can agree or we can agree to disagree. Like I always say, the Media and journalism industry we are in, we pay tax ,we buy diesel and fuel; and it is the same market Dangote and Nigerian Breweries buy. So we have the right to make money and make profit.”
“Scholars have argued that one out of the many implications of commercialisation of broadcast media is the encouragement of Brown Envelope. That’s also up for the discussion. What is Brown Envelope? Is it still brown? Is it now white? Is it now wireless? Broadcast media commercialisation is seen to be reducing or affecting the gatekeeping function of Editors”, Egbedemode said.
In his address, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Media, Pastor Sulaimon Olanrewaju commended NAWOJ for their efforts towards ensuring a better society.
He stressed that NAWOJ under Comrade Omolola Alamu has made a significant impact in the area of women empowerment and improved its advocacy on gender equality.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Owolabi Oladejo who is also the Founder of Impact Business Radio encouraged NAWOJ members not to relent in their efforts towards the advancement of the society.
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State council, Comrade Ademola Babalola in his welcome address, said the Union will continue to support NAWOJ in the area of welfare and human capacity building.
Also in her welcome address, the Chairperson, Oyo NAWOJ, Comrade Omolola Alamu sought the support of relevant stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians towards achieving NAWOJ’s set objectives.
“This year’s theme – Broadcasting for Development – resonates deeply with our commitment to excellence, integrity, and service to our nation. Today marks the beginning of a week-long celebration of our profession, our achievements, and our contributions to society. We are gathered to reflect on our accomplishments, recommit to our core values, reignite our passion for storytelling, and reconnect with colleagues and friends.”
“As journalists, we face numerous challenges, from censorship to harassment; but we remain steadfast in our pursuit of truth and accountability. Let us make this week a celebration of our resilience, creativity, and commitment to journalism excellence”, Alamu said.
Highlight of the Programme was the Presentation of the Award to Rector of The Polytechnic Ibadan Dr Taiwo Lasisi for His outstanding leadership qualities and the remarkable impacts made within a few months in office.
The event was attended by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Fausat Joke Saani, Media Executives and female Journalists in the state.