Gov Emmanuel Advises Broadcast Media Owners On Fair Contents

By Usiere Akpan

UYO

Gov Udom Emmanuel has advised proprietors of broadcast media institutions to ensure fairness to all in contents and programmes.

  Emmanuel gave the advice during the inauguration of the first television broadcast station in Akwa Ibom, the Spectrum Television, under the operations of TAF Media Group, which took place at Ibiaku Uruan, Monday.

 The governor stated that the prevailing contents and programmes of some private broadcast stations are imbued with aspects that can bring down the image and progress of the state, adding that a greater percentage of reports from broadcast stations are sectional and sensational.

  The governor remarked that the task of the management of the broadcast stations lie in upholding best conventions of journalism for the continuation of unity and growth of Akwa Ibom, saying that the initiatives of setting radio and television stations reflect the entrepreneurial schemes of the state.

  He mentioned that his administration was committed to providing the needed infrastructure for the private institutions to complement in social and economic growth of the state, hinting that efforts are being intensified towards the completion of the Nduetong-Ibiaku Uruan Road leading to the television house, while soliciting the understanding of the host communities.

  Emmanuel stressed that the pace of work on the project was impressive with the taking of advantage of the weather condition to speed up the work by the contractors, adding that the direct bridge supervision by the Ministry of Works and Fire Service was a guarantee for timely completion.

  The commissioner for information and strategy, Mr. Ini Ememobong, said that the commencement of the television house was a demonstration of the enabling environment for the private sector to thrive in the state, adding that the Emmanuel administration has encouraged the growth and expansion of the media with constructive criticism.

Ememobong hoped that the emergence of Spectrum TVwould help in projecting the culture of Akwa Ibom to the world, appreciating the proprietors for weathering the storm to establish the private television station in the state, while insisting on neutrality in broadcast contents.

 The chairman of TAF Media Group, Mr. Tony Afia, appreciated God for the realization of the dream and commended the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC)for granting operating license since 2015.

He explained that the station had commenced test operations about 90 days ago, appreciating Emmanuel for coming to inaugurate the station, while assuring of positive content driven programmes for viewers.

The event was attended by a sea-head of media executives and community leaders with a live interview programme which featured Governor Emmanuel on recent state affairs.