Broadcaster seeks improved funding for Bauchi Community FM stations
poor funding severely affected their operations, forcing them to reduce the broadcasting time frame.;
Mr Umar Shira, a veteran broadcaster, has advocated increased budgetary allocation to enhance operations of the 11 Bauchi Community FM stations.
He said this in an interview with newsmen, on Monday in Bauchi.
Shira, who is also the Managing Director, Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC), said increased funding for the grassroot radio stations would boost communication channels for the mass populace.
He said the community radio stations were established 13 years ago, to serve as a platform for public enlightenment on governance policies and programmes as well as foster peace and development.
According to Shira, the stations produce programmes in local dialects to raise awareness and mobilise the people to support government policies, issues relating to politics, agriculture, health, youth and women empowerment.
Shira said the stations relied on volunteers from host communities to address the manpower gap,
“The community radio stations contributed immensely to correcting misconceptions and misinformation among rural dwellers on developmental issues.
“They also provide platforms for residents to discuss issues affecting their communities.
“However, poor funding severely affected their operations, forcing them to reduce the broadcasting time frame.
“The stations initially operated eight to nine hours daily, but due to financial constraints, they now operate only three to four hours.
“The initial arrangement is for the stations to be jointly funded by the state and local government councils. The councils only contribute N50,000 monthly, which could not buy diesel for operations,” he said.
Shira listed the stations to include Alkaleri; Bununu, Toro, Ganjuwa, Ningi, Misau, Jama’are, Gamawa, Kirfi, and Zaki with a sub-station in Azare.
The BRC helmsman highlighted that each of the stations was strategically located to serve two local government areas.
He urged the councils to engage 10 personnel in each of the 11 stations, to enhance content production and improve operational efficiency.