The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON, has condemned the recent attack on TVC Communications by hoodlums and the subsequent shutting down of Channels TV, following the #EndSARS protests in Lagos State.
The BON Chairman, Sa’a Ibrahim, in a statement on Friday, described the incident as unfortunate.
According to her, it is unfortunate in the 21st Century that the properties of Broadcast, Print Media and Journalists are not adequately provided protection by the government while discharging their duties.
“BON is also aware of threats to Broadcasting entities by hoodlums. These stations, the 4th estate of the realm provides platform for free speech, education and enlightenment.
“However, it is very unfortunate in the 21st Century that the properties of Broadcast, Print Media and Journalists are not adequately provided protection by the government while discharging their duties.
“Journalist most be allowed to source for reliable information with sufficient security in order for the public to be well informed,” Mrs Ibrahim stressed.
The BON chair, therefore, called on the Federal, State and Local Governments, the regulator, National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, and all stakeholders in both Broadcast and Print Media to address the issue of insecurity affecting the Media Industry and the nation in general.
She said: “By implication, if such demands are not well addressed accordingly and on time, information blackout from the traditional media sources will be a disaster leaving only the social media where FAKE NEWS and dissemination of unreliable information in the Country which is dangerous at the moment.
“BON would like to use this opportunity to sympathize with one of its very active member, TVC Communications over the unfortunate situation as well as families of those who lost their loved ones, properties worth billions of Naira destroyed across the Country.”
