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The 79th General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) convened at the Homeville Plus Hotel in Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. This critical gathering highlighted the ongoing economic challenges faced by the Nigerian broadcast industry and proposed several key initiatives to mitigate these issues.
SUPPORTING THE RENEWED HOPE AGENDA:
BON expressed its appreciation for the Federal Government of Nigeria and its support for the Renewed Hope Agenda led by Aswaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, the assembly emphasized the severe economic conditions affecting the broadcast industry due to recent policy changes, including the removal of the oil subsidy, deregulation of the foreign exchange market, and a significant rise in electricity tariff
CALL FOR MEDIA SUPPORT INITIATIVES:
To address these pressing challenges, BON issued a communique for government prompt action:
PROVISION OF CNG-PERMANENT GENERATORS:
A Supply to all BON member stations with CNG-permanent generators to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
ELECTRICITY TARRIFF SUBSIDY:
Implement a 50% subsidy on electricity tariffs for BON members on a monthly basis.
AMENDMENT TO SCHEDULE 4 OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION:
Transfer the power to collect Radio and Television rates from Local Government Councils to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), ensuring fair distribution of the revenue among licensed broadcast stations.
ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR NBC :
Ensure the NBC is adequately funded and remove its status as a revenue-generating agency of the government.
SUSPENSION OF GROSS EARNINGS DEMAND:
Suspend the NBC's demand for 2.5% of gross earnings from broadcast stations indefinitely.
REVIEW OF NBC CODE :
Urgently convene stakeholders to review the 6th edition of the NBC code in light of recent controversies and court pronouncements.
DIGITAL MIGRATION:
Expedite the migration from analogue to digital broadcasting, involving NBC, BON, and other stakeholders in reviewing and strategizing for a smooth transition.
CAUTION IN SPECTRUM SALE:
Exercise caution in the sale of the primary spectrum allocated to broadcasting by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
UTILIZATION OF NIGCOMSAT’S OFFER:
Encourage members to leverage the offer of 50 DTH Channels by the Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NigComsat) to reduce satellite transmission costs.
APPRECIATION TO EDO STATE :
BON extends its profound gratitude to the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and the people of Edo State for their hospitality in hosting the 79th General Assembly in Benin City.
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COMMUNIQUE COMMITTEE MEMBERS :
The communique committee members include:
••Jobome Emetulu Christiana, GM, Delta Broadcasting Service Asaba
••Dr. Fengecy Onisoya, Ag. GM, Rivers State Television, Port Harcourt
••Deji Balogun, Head, Government and Community Relations, Channels Television Nigeria
••SHC Tony Akiotu, Vice Chairman, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria
••Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose
CONCLUSION:
The 79th General Assembly of BON has put forth crucial requests to safeguard the future of the Nigerian broadcast industry. The proposed measures aim to alleviate the economic pressures and ensure the sustainability and growth of media houses across the nation. By addressing these issues, BON hopes to foster a more stable and prosperous environment for broadcasters and their audiences..
DJW
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