As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, SNB, has called for greater integration of technology into digital broadcasting to enhance accurate, credible, and timely reporting.
The National President of the Society, Professor Umar Pate, made the call in Bauchi at the opening of the third Annual Conference and Induction of SNB members.
The conference, with the theme, “Responsible Broadcasting in an Election Year: Countering Misinformation, Promoting Peace and Strengthening Democracy,” focuses on strengthening professional broadcasting, promoting responsible journalism and maximising the use of technology in digital broadcasting ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his welcome address, the National President of the Society, Professor Umar Pate, said broadcasters have a critical role to play in promoting credible elections through objective, balanced, and professional reportage.
He urged media managers to provide journalists with the necessary platforms, equipment, and resources to effectively cover the electoral process.
Declaring the conference open, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, represented by his Deputy, Auwal Jatau, said the administration had invested significant resources in modernising state-owned media organisations to enable them compete favourably in the global digital media space.
He urged broadcasters to prioritise accuracy, verification, and responsible reporting in the fight against misinformation and disinformation.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, said the Federal Government had invested significantly in both public and private broadcasting because of the sector’s contribution to national development.
He described the conference as timely, coming at a period of increased political and electioneering activities, and assured the society of continued government engagement towards promoting professional and responsible media coverage.
Other speakers, including the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, called on relevant stakeholders to prioritise the safety and protection of journalists covering elections across the country.
The conference also featured the induction of new members of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters and brought together government officials, media managers, veteran broadcasters, academics, and students of mass communication.
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(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
