By Chukwudi Obasi
A new Benin-based radio station, OJ 106.3 FM, says it is positioning itself to promote quality broadcasting content, youth talent development and stronger connections between Nigerians at home and those in the Diaspora.
The Chief Executive Officer of the station, Joy Olabisi Akpaida, disclosed this on Wednesday while introducing journalists to the outfit ahead of its official transmission on the airwaves.
Akpaida, a former Head of Benin Centre of DAAR Communications, owners of AIT and Raypower FM, said the station was conceived to create opportunities for talented broadcasters who lack the financial strength to buy airtime on conventional radio platforms.
She lamented what she described as the growing commercialisation of broadcasting, where programme quality is often sacrificed for financial considerations.
According to her, many station owners now focus mainly on revenue generation, paying little attention to the quality and relevance of the programmes they air.
“The essence of what we are talking about is to allow for quality programmes and content, and that was what gave birth to the drive to own a radio station, so that we can give all opportunities, with or without money,” she said.
The broadcaster, however, clarified that sponsored programmes and commercial content would not be aired free of charge.
“Of course, eventually they will pay. For instance, if you bring a programme on air, and we know that this programme has an advert in it, you will pay us,” she added.
Akpaida said the station would explore alternative revenue channels within the broadcasting industry to sustain operations while supporting emerging talents and quality programming.
She further disclosed that OJ 106.3 FM would operate actively across social media platforms 24 hours a day, pending approval from the National Broadcasting Commission for full terrestrial transmission.
According to her, the station also intends to bridge communication gaps between Edo indigenes in Nigeria and those abroad by projecting Edo stories to the Diaspora and relaying Diaspora experiences back home through online broadcasting.
