…Advocates Fact-Checking Unit, Journalists’ Protection, Cybersecurity Measures
By Unyime Bassey
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comr Nsibiet John has urged the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to strengthen the proposed Bill establishing the Ibom Broadcasting Corporation by incorporating provisions that guarantee editorial independence, digital broadcasting, journalists’ protection, transparency, and cybersecurity.
The position presented by the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, during a public hearing on the Bill organized by the House Committee on Information on Wednesday.
In a detailed memorandum submitted to the Assembly, the NUJ described the proposed corporation as an opportunity for Akwa Ibom State to establish a modern, technologically-driven public service broadcaster capable of competing in the rapidly evolving digital media landscape.
While commending the Assembly for opening the legislative process to stakeholder participation, the union noted that the draft legislation appears largely rooted in traditional broadcasting models and does not adequately reflect the realities of contemporary media practice.
According to the NUJ, modern broadcasting now extends beyond conventional radio and television to include internet streaming, social media broadcasting, podcasting, multimedia publishing, artificial intelligence, data journalism, and other emerging technologies.
The union expressed concern over provisions in the Bill that grant extensive powers to the Governor and the Commissioner to issue directives to the proposed corporation, warning that such powers could undermine editorial independence and public confidence.
“The Corporation cannot effectively function as an independent public broadcaster if editorial decisions remain susceptible to political influence,” the memorandum stated.
To address the concern, the NUJ proposed the insertion of a statutory provision guaranteeing professional and editorial independence in news gathering, news production, programme scheduling, and editorial judgment.
The union further called for the expansion of the corporation’s mandate to expressly include digital broadcasting, online media operations, internet streaming, podcasting, and other emerging communication technologies to ensure the law remains relevant in the future.
On governance, the NUJ recommended a more inclusive board composition with representation from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities, media law practitioners, creative industry stakeholders, and information technology experts.
The Council also advocated a professionalized process for appointing the Director-General of the Corporation, recommending that the position be reserved for qualified media professionals with at least fifteen years of relevant experience and that such appointment be subject to confirmation by the House of Assembly.
Recognising the growing role of technology in media operations, the union proposed the creation of new departments, including Directorates of Digital Media Services, New Media and Innovation, and Research, Data and Audience Analytics.
The NUJ also urged lawmakers to establish a statutory Fact-Checking and Verification Unit within the corporation to combat misinformation, verify digital content, monitor fake news, and conduct media literacy campaigns.
In addition, the union called for legal protection for journalists and other employees of the corporation against victimisation, suspension, dismissal, or discrimination arising from the lawful discharge of their professional duties.
The memorandum further recommended the establishment of an independent Ombudsman Office to receive public complaints, review disputed broadcasts, recommend corrections, and monitor compliance with ethical standards.
The NUJ observed that the Bill does not adequately address cybersecurity and data protection concerns despite the growing digitalisation of broadcasting operations. It therefore urged compliance with relevant provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, Cybercrime Act, and international digital security standards.
The Council also advocated the creation of a Digital Broadcast Archive to preserve historical recordings, audiovisual materials, and cultural heritage content for future generations.
On capacity building, the union recommended mandatory annual staff retraining programmes covering digital journalism, artificial intelligence literacy, data journalism, and emerging broadcast technologies.
The memorandum equally stressed the need for accessibility and inclusion by making provisions for sign language interpretation, closed captioning, and disability-friendly digital platforms.
To promote transparency and accountability, the NUJ proposed that annual reports, audited accounts, procurement records, and performance reports of the corporation be published regularly and made accessible to the public through its website.
The union further advised that the corporation explore alternative revenue streams including digital advertising, streaming subscriptions, podcast monetisation, content licensing, syndication arrangements, documentary sales, and intellectual property commercialisation to reduce dependence on government funding.
It also advocated a local content development policy requiring substantial programming dedicated to indigenous languages, cultural productions, creative industry content, and locally-produced programmes that showcase Akwa Ibom’s heritage and identity.
The NUJ concluded by reaffirming its support for the establishment of the Ibom Broadcasting Corporation but maintained that the institution must be designed as a modern public service multimedia organisation rather than a mere successor to the existing state broadcasting structure.
The union urged the House Committee on Information and the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to adopt its recommendations to ensure that the proposed corporation emerges as a credible, independent, transparent, technologically advanced, and globally competitive public broadcaster serving the interests of all Akwa Ibom people.
