As the international community marks World Radio Day, the Federal Government is drafting reforms for process of establishing community stations in Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Tuesday in a statement to commemorate the date.
World Radio Day is marked on February 13 every year and this year’s celebration is themed, ‘Radio: A century informing, entertaining and educating,’
Due to the large coverage and wide information dissemination by radios, “the government has initiated necessary reforms in the process of establishing community radio stations.”
Minister Idris stated that the theme for 2024 “reflects the remarkable achievement of radio as a means of communication and information for over 100 years, despite the advent of social media.”
He added that radio performs a “vital role in shaping public opinion and promoting cultural unity in our diverse nation,” and provides a “platform for people of all backgrounds to speak out, be represented, and be heard, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.”
According to his statement, “government recognises the diversity of the Nigerian population and acknowledges the power of radio to reach people in their local languages. To make community radio more reliable, efficient, and affordable, the government has initiated necessary reforms in the process of establishing community radio stations.
“Currently, only 89 such stations have been granted broadcast licenses in Nigeria. However, the government intends to change this trend by providing a more favourable environment for other radio stations to emerge and for the existing ones to strengthen their capacity and thrive.”