By Isiyaka Ismail Wunti
The Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, SNB has called for greater integration of technology into digital broadcasting ahead of the 2027 general elections to ensure credible, accurate and timely reporting.
The National President of SNB, Professor Umar Pate, who made the call during the Society’s 3rd Annual Conference and Induction of members in Bauchi, urged broadcasters to pay more attention to technology, content and safety challenges, particularly in the electioneering period.
He expressed hope that broadcasters would contribute to credible elections through objective and balanced reportage, urging media managers to provide professional platforms for responsible election coverage.
Declaring the conference open, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed urged broadcasters to prioritise accuracy, veracity and responsible reporting, stressing that credible broadcasting remains essential in combating misinformation, strengthening public trust and promoting constructive dialogue.
Bala Mohammed represented by the Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau said his administration had invested over three billion naira to digitalise the state-owned radio and television stations, towards reposition the media industry.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, represented by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, VON Malam Jibrin Ndace, said the Federal Government had invested significantly in both public and private broadcasting in view of their contributions to national development.
According to him, the conference came at the right time, as electioneering activities kickstarts, assuring of government’s commitment to constructive engagement towards promoting professional and responsible media coverage.
The National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, called on relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety and protection of journalists covering elections across the country.
The conference which featured the induction of new members, was attended by top government officials, media managers, veteran broadcasters, academics and students of mass communication.