NBC Pledges Commitment to Community Broadcasting

National Broadcasting Commission has pledged the commission’s commitment to implementing full community broadcasting in the country.
The pledge came on the heels of World Radio day, a day set aside to celebrate radio broadcast, improve international cooperation among radio broadcasters and encourage decision-makers to create and provide access to information through radio, including community radios.
To draw attention to the unique value of radio, which remains the medium to reach the widest audience, February 13 was proclaimed as World radio day by UNESCO.
UNESCO had encouraged all countries to celebrate this Day by undertaking activities with diverse partners, such as national, regional and international broadcasting associations and organizations, non-governmental organizations, media organizations, outlets as well as the public at large.
 At a press briefing on the First World Radio Day celebration at the Radio House in Abuja, the Labaran Maku, Hon. minister of Information said the government will continue to invest in the development of radio in order for people to participate in the development of the country.
He said the Federal Government will create an enabling environment that will advance the course of radio broadcasting in the country.
Yomi Bolarinwa, director general, National Broadcasting Commission said the Commission would continue to ensure proper regulation of the spectrum for interference-free airwaves.
He expressed delight in partnering with the UNESCO to celebrate Radio. He explained that there are three tiers of broadcasting, and in the last few years, about 27 educational institutions have been issued licenses to do community broadcasting.
He explained that communities are required to register a board of trustees with the Corporate Affairs Commission to apply for a broadcast license. He however promised that the Commission was doing all in its power to ensure the full implementation of Community Broadcasting in Nigeria.
Dr Joseph Ngu, Director and Country Representative of UNESCO described Radio as a very powerful channel of communication and stressed the need for the licensing of Communities Radio Stations to provide the much needed boost for education and enlightenment of Nigerians particularly in the rural areas.