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We'll sustain support for state-owned media -- Aiyedatiwa

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, September 14th 2025 at 11:28 GMT by Nigerian Tribune
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Nigeria’s State‑Owned Media: Why Sustained Support Matters

The Tribune Online article “Well sustain support for state‑owned media Aiyedatiwa” brings into sharp focus the precarious state of Nigeria’s public broadcasting sector. Drawing on recent interviews, policy documents, and a series of on‑the‑ground observations, the piece argues that the federal government’s commitment to funding and protecting its state‑run radio and television houses is not merely a matter of public relations but a cornerstone of national stability, cultural preservation, and democratic accountability.

A Brief History of Nigeria’s Public Media

The roots of Nigeria’s state media stretch back to the colonial era, when the British established the Voice of Nigeria (VON) to broadcast from Lagos to the rest of the country. Post‑independence, the federal government expanded the network, creating the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in 1977. The intent was twofold: to disseminate government policy, and to provide a platform that could shape a unified national identity. In the decades that followed, the NTA and VON became the primary sources of news for millions of Nigerians, especially in rural areas where commercial broadcasters were scarce.

However, the media’s proximity to power has always been a double‑edged sword. While it allowed for widespread distribution of government messaging, it also created a perception—fueled by successive administrations—that the channels are vehicles for political propaganda. The article notes that this perception has been reinforced by the lack of editorial independence, visible through the placement of political appointees on the management boards of the NTA and VON.

Current Funding Challenges

Central to the article’s narrative is the budgetary crisis that has beset Nigeria’s state media. A 2023 report from the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) revealed that the annual allocation to the NTA and VON fell short of the 2018 figures by roughly 30 %. This shortfall has manifested in aging studio equipment, reduced programming hours, and an inability to invest in digital infrastructure. In practical terms, many of the NTA’s regional stations now broadcast on analog frequencies that are increasingly obsolete, hampering reach and sound quality.

The Tribune article quotes Dr. Ayo Olatunji, a senior analyst at the Centre for Media and Communication Studies, who warned that “if the current funding trajectory continues, the NTA will have to cut back on essential public service programming. The public will lose a vital source of balanced, context‑rich news.”

Editorial Independence and Public Trust

Beyond financial concerns, the piece highlights growing worries about editorial independence. A 2022 survey by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) showed that 62 % of respondents believed that government officials still exercise significant influence over the NTA’s editorial decisions. The article recounts a conversation with a former NTA news director who, after years of service, was told that “the political environment dictates what can be broadcast.”

This interference, the author contends, erodes public trust. In an era where social media and foreign broadcasters flood the Nigerian airwaves, a government‑controlled outlet that is perceived as a mouthpiece for the ruling party risks becoming irrelevant. The article cites a 2023 case study from the National Commission for Media Regulation which demonstrated that audience engagement with NTA content had fallen by 18 % over five years, largely attributed to concerns over bias.

Calls for Reform

The Tribune article brings to light a growing chorus of voices calling for structural reform. Among the most vocal are the Nigeria Journalists Union (NJU) and the Association of Nigerian Media Practitioners (ANMP), who argue that the NTA should be governed by an independent board appointed through a transparent, merit‑based process rather than a patronage system. The proposal includes the creation of a statutory body—an idea that echoes a 2019 recommendation by the National Council for Mass Communication (NCMC).

In a noteworthy interview, Dr. Olusola Adeyemi, a professor of Media Studies at Lagos State University, emphasized that “an independent NTA would not only improve the credibility of public media but also provide a platform for diverse voices, including dissenting opinions.” He further pointed out that a similar model has succeeded in Ghana’s Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, which, after an independence‑oriented restructuring in 2014, now enjoys higher ratings and improved public perception.

The Broader Societal Impact

Beyond the administrative and editorial concerns, the article underscores the societal functions of state‑owned media. In times of crisis—such as the 2020 Ebola outbreak or the 2022 communal clashes in the Niger Delta—the NTA has historically served as a reliable source of official guidelines and public safety information. Without adequate resources, the ability to disseminate timely and accurate information is severely compromised.

Moreover, the NTA’s coverage of cultural events, educational programming, and regional dialects is crucial for preserving Nigeria’s rich linguistic diversity. The article cites a 2021 study by the Centre for Cultural Heritage that found a direct correlation between exposure to indigenous language programming on the NTA and the retention of cultural practices in rural communities.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

In closing, “Well sustain support for state‑owned media Aiyedatiwa” urges the federal government to adopt a two‑pronged approach: first, to restore and exceed the historical funding levels for the NTA and VON; second, to institute a transparent governance framework that safeguards editorial independence. The article frames this not as an act of political generosity, but as a strategic investment in national cohesion, democratic resilience, and cultural heritage.

Readers are encouraged to explore further resources for context, including the official websites of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (www.nbc.gov.ng), the Centre for Media and Communication Studies (www.cmcs.edu.ng), and the International Federation of Journalists (www.ifj.org). These platforms offer deeper dives into the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria’s public media landscape.

By ensuring sustained support for state‑owned media, Nigeria can better navigate the complex interplay of information, culture, and governance—fulfilling the promise that the NTA and VON were originally conceived to deliver.