Bauchi Commissioner Urges Broadcasters to Tackle Misinformation

From Paul Orude Bauchi

The Bauchi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Usman Usman Shehu, has urged Nigerian broadcasters to strengthen professionalism, credibility and ethical standards in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Shehu made the call on Monday while speaking at the opening of the Third Annual Conference of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) in Bauchi.

The Commissioner said the media remained indispensable to democracy and societal transformation, stressing that broadcasters had a responsibility to provide accurate, balanced and credible information to the public.

He particularly commended the SNB for sustaining its annual conference and creating a platform for professionals to deliberate on issues affecting broadcasting and society.

Shehu, however, urged the organisation to widen its scope and deepen its relevance within Nigeria’s media industry by strengthening professional development, policy engagement, research, innovation and advocacy.

“The Society of Nigerian Broadcasters has the potential to become an even stronger platform for professional development, policy engagement, research, innovation and advocacy for the broadcasting industry,” he said.

The Commissioner also stressed the importance of responsible broadcasting during election periods, noting that the media had a critical role to play in providing credible information and promoting peaceful participation and national cohesion.

He urged broadcasters to approach their duties with patriotism, professionalism and social responsibility, particularly in an era characterised by misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and rapidly evolving digital platforms.

According to him, freedom of expression must be accompanied by responsibility, while broadcasters must continue to distinguish themselves through accuracy, balance, credibility and adherence to ethical journalism.

Shehu assured the SNB of the Bauchi State Government’s continued goodwill and willingness to cooperate with professional media organisations that contribute positively to the development of the media industry and the country.

He urged participants at the conference to engage in frank and constructive discussions on the future of broadcasting in Nigeria and ensure that resolutions reached at the meeting translated into practical steps for strengthening the profession.

The Commissioner, on behalf of the Bauchi State Government and the people of the state, welcomed the leadership and delegates of the SNB to Bauchi and wished them fruitful deliberations and a successful conference.