SNB Inducts 14 New Members, Charges Them to Uphold Truth and Integrity in Evolving Media Landscape

The Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) has inducted fourteen (14) new members into the association, charging them to be custodians of truth and conveyors of credible information as the media landscape continues to evolve.

In her opening remarks at the induction ceremony, the Chairman of SNB, Mrs Chinezerem Agbakuru, admonished the inductees including Ijeoma Nwakanma, Ulunma Chukwunyere, Emmanuel Adiele, Ogbonne Iroh, Ogechukwu Igbosmaghi, Joy Jones, Esther Uzuka Emmanuel, Nneoma Idika, Joy Nnpchiri, Victoria Eche, Daberechi Agwu, Favour Orji, Anita Lesley, and Victor Ndukwe to evolve with the changing dynamics of the media industry.

Mrs Agbakuru reminded them that the induction was more than a rite of passage, describing it as “an invitation to serve with integrity, creativity, and courage.” She emphasised that “Broadcasting is a noble calling, and you are now ambassadors of that noble cause.”

Delivering a lecture on the theme “Unbundling Mass Communication: Benefits and Challenges to the Broadcasters,” the Guest Speaker and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Signature TV Enugu, Chief Vinmartin Ilo, explained that the unbundling of mass communication refers to the structural separation of the traditional all-encompassing media into more specialised fields.

He stressed the need for broadcasters to adapt to new technological applications, urging them to retreat and restrategize to remain relevant.

Chief Ilo highlighted several benefits of the unbundling process, including:

Targeted audience reach, which provides a shortcut to engaging desired demographics;

Increased competition and innovation, as traditional media now integrate social media departments to stay competitive;

New revenue streams, which, although inconsistent, present added advantages;

Improved content management; and

Cheaper content delivery, noting that “a content creator can now go with only a phone and deliver quality content.”

He, however, identified several challenges facing broadcasters in the modern media space, such as:

Audience fragmentation, makes it harder to reach a broad audience;

Complex revenue distribution systems for content creators;

Content piracy and copyright issues;

Scarcity of experienced human resources;

Dwindling quality in broadcasting;

Adapting to ever-changing consumer behaviour;

Fierce competition; and

Loss of revenue.

Contributing to the discussion, Chief Ralph Egbu, former Chief of Staff to the State Government, emphasised the critical role of broadcasters in shaping public opinion. He noted that it would be “unheard of if a British person pronounces our names better than our own broadcasters,” urging professionalism and accuracy in reportage.

He referenced the ongoing media tensions between former U.S. President Donald Trump and the BBC, stressing that broadcasters must remain professional and objective, saying, “There’s no reason to twist information to please your interest. The media has a lot to do with the development of our society, so we must do better.”

Also speaking, Professor Gregory Odiakosa underscored the importance of preparation before going on air, noting that the SNB “has been built for greatness.”

Representing the Editor of Abia Newspaper, Mr Egechukwu commended the inductees and described broadcasters as the bridge between information and the people. He urged them to uphold truth and transparency in their duties, acknowledging the challenges in the profession but emphasising the need to continue raising the bar in broadcasting excellence.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Mrs. Priscilla Otti, Wife of the Governor, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Ijeoma Iheukwumere; National Vice President of SNB, Chimdi Oluoha, representing the National President, Professor Umar Pate; Ugochukwu Emezue, Manager Don FM and Okoro FM; Samson Eze, Manager Flo FM; Sir Anyaso Anyaso, Programs Manager Mrs. Ozioma Chike-Ukaha; Chikezie Onyeabor, Onyebueke Onwueyi, Adaeze Iroegbu, Chinwendu Ugele, Ezinne Imo-Obike, Chinenye Onuoha, Emmanuel Nwazue, and several other notable figures from the broadcasting industry.

The induction ceremony marked yet another milestone in SNB’s commitment to promoting professionalism, integrity, and excellence in Nigerian broadcasting.