Idara Jerome, Uyo

The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, have called for extensive amendments to the proposed Ibom Broadcasting Corporation Bill, urging lawmakers to strengthen provisions on workers’ welfare, editorial independence, digital broadcasting, transparency and institutional accountability.

In a memorandum submitted to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly during a public hearing on the Bill, NAWOJ said the legislation presents a unique opportunity to establish a modern public service broadcaster that protects employees, promotes inclusiveness and responds to the realities of contemporary media practice.

The memorandum, signed by the Chairperson of NAWOJ in the state, Mrs. Nsikak Okon, expressed concern over the absence of provisions addressing workplace harassment, prolonged casualisation of workers and inadequate gender representation in the governance structure of the proposed corporation.

According to the association, one of the most pressing issues confronting the state broadcasting sector is the engagement of journalists, technicians and support staff on contract appointments for several years without pension benefits, health insurance or job security.

NAWOJ therefore proposed that any employee retained on contract for a continuous period of 12 months should automatically become a permanent staff member entitled to full statutory benefits, describing the recommendation as necessary to end labour exploitation and promote workforce stability.

The women journalists also advocated greater gender inclusion in the governance framework of the corporation, recommending that at least three positions on the governing board be reserved for women while appointments into senior management positions reflect principles of equity and inclusiveness.

The association further urged lawmakers to introduce a comprehensive workplace safety and anti-sexual harassment policy, including confidential reporting channels, disciplinary measures against offenders, improved security for female staff working night shifts and adequate maternity protection.

NAWOJ equally called for a broader definition of broadcasting to accommodate internet streaming, podcasting, social media broadcasting and other digital communication platforms increasingly shaping audience engagement and news consumption patterns.

The association also recommended stronger transparency measures, including the publication of annual reports and audited financial statements, legal protection for whistleblowers and strict adherence to procurement regulations in the execution of major projects and acquisition of broadcasting equipment.

Presenting the position of the Nigeria Union of Journalists at the hearing, the Chairman of the union in Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Nsibiet John, warned against establishing a state-owned broadcaster vulnerable to political influence, insisting that editorial independence must remain at the heart of the proposed corporation.

The union argued that the credibility and effectiveness of the proposed broadcaster would depend largely on its ability to operate free from undue political interference while adapting to the realities of the digital media age.

While commending the House of Assembly for opening the legislative process to stakeholder participation, the NUJ observed that several provisions of the Bill appear rooted in traditional broadcasting models and do not adequately address contemporary developments in media practice.

According to the union, public broadcasting has evolved beyond conventional radio and television operations to include internet streaming, social media broadcasting, podcasting, multimedia publishing, artificial intelligence, data journalism and other emerging technologies.

The NUJ expressed concern over provisions of the Bill empowering the Governor and Commissioner for Information to issue directives to the proposed corporation, warning that such powers could compromise professional editorial judgment and erode public trust.

“The Corporation cannot effectively function as an independent public broadcaster if editorial decisions remain susceptible to political influence,” the union stated in its memorandum.

To safeguard credibility and public confidence, the NUJ proposed statutory guarantees for editorial independence in news gathering, content production, programme scheduling and other professional media functions.

The union also urged lawmakers to expand the corporation’s mandate to expressly include digital broadcasting, online media operations, internet streaming services, podcasting and future communication technologies to ensure the legislation remains relevant in an increasingly digital media environment.

On governance, the NUJ advocated a more inclusive board composition with representation from professional media bodies, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities, information technology experts, media law practitioners and stakeholders in the creative industry.

The union further recommended a professionalised process for appointing the Director-General of the corporation, insisting that the position should be occupied by a qualified media professional with extensive industry experience and be subject to confirmation by the House of Assembly.

Recognising the growing influence of technology in media operations, the NUJ proposed the establishment of specialised departments for Digital Media Services, New Media and Innovation, as well as Research, Data and Audience Analytics to enhance content delivery and audience engagement.

The journalists’ body also called for the creation of a statutory Fact-Checking and Verification Unit to combat misinformation, verify digital content, monitor fake news and promote media literacy among citizens.

In addition, the union sought legal protection for journalists and other employees of the corporation against victimisation, suspension, dismissal or discrimination arising from the lawful discharge of their professional responsibilities.

The NUJ further recommended the establishment of an independent Ombudsman Office to receive public complaints, review disputed broadcasts, recommend corrections and monitor compliance with professional and ethical standards.

It also urged the Assembly to incorporate robust cybersecurity and data protection measures in line with relevant provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, Cybercrime Act and other international digital security standards.

The union additionally proposed the creation of a Digital Broadcast Archive to preserve historical recordings, audiovisual materials and cultural heritage content, as well as mandatory annual staff retraining programmes covering digital journalism, artificial intelligence literacy, data journalism and emerging broadcast technologies.

Both NAWOJ and NUJ maintained that the proposed Ibom Broadcasting Corporation should emerge not merely as a replacement for the existing state broadcasting structure but as an independent, technologically-driven and globally competitive public service media institution capable of serving the interests of all Akwa Ibom people.