Permit me to congratulate Alh.(Dr.) Ahmad Tijjani Ramalan (FCILT, FCIS, MNI-UK, Dsc, ARPA) The Executive Chairman, Atar communications Nigeria Limited (owners of Liberty TV and Radio Stations) and its entire staff on the occasion of its new Kano station.
In my observation, Atar Communications Nigeria Limited has within the short span of its life time achieve the following brand: (1) the Liberty TV; (2) Liberty, 103.3; (3) Liberty Radio 91.7, (4) Tashar ‘Yanci 103.1FM ; (5) Muryar ‘Yanci (Jaridar Hausa); (6) Voice of Liberty (a Newspapers);(7) Liberty TV and Radio Abuja Digital Studios; and Liberty FM 103.3 MHZ,Kano.
In my assessment, your brand has been growing steadily. Please do not join the bandwagon of “Gonzo” and or “Junk” journalism by some sections of the media. I employ you to continue to uphold your high standards of professional journalism. Professional journalism is the hard and only way for success. Accept my best wishes!
However, it is sad to note that some sections of the media in Nigeria , for many decades on, has turned journalism profession to a medium for promoting ethno- religious and regional struggles as against ethno -religious tolerance, social Justice, balance reportage, and national unity.
Biased reportage by some sections of the media was the reason for the establishment of New Nigerian Newspapers (NNN) by the late Premier of Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
“The decision to establish a daily newspaper for Northern Nigeria was driven by the need to truly present to the Nigerian people and the whole world a true picture of the Northern Region: its people, its culture and its politics in a true and balanced manner”. Sir Ahmadu (as cited in Muhammadu, 2000).
In the same vein, “Then, as now, the North enjoyed a very bad press in the hands of the Nigerian newspapers, mainly based in Lagos. Reporting of events was uniformly inaccurate and in a manner seen to be deliberately hostile” -(Joda, 2000).
It worries me to note that, fifty years after, the unbalanced reportage by some sections of the media has not abated, but even got worsen. I employ northerners to establish media houses for balance reportage, promotion of ethno-religious tolerance and national unity not for biased reportage. This is the only to put some sections of the uncheck! We need a mouthpiece for objective journalism.
On the other hand, it is important to remind our compatriots that the “media” being the fourth estate of the realm, must be reminded that whether established by a “Muslim” or a “Christian” or an “Animist”or a “Northerner” or a “Southerner”has the responsibilities of promoting peace, tolerance, social Justice, good governance and fairness in the society.
Unprofessional Journalism is a disservice to the nation as well as unethical to the profession. Journalism profession is a”public trust” which has the responsibility of promoting Justice, fairness, and balance reportage. Our media practitioners in the country must be patriotic enough in discharging their duties being the watchdog of the society.
The media should and or must be responsible in reporting ethno-religious issues .The Industry must get rid of its tiny unpatriotic practitioners. “Sensational” or “Junk” or “gonzo” Journalism does not do anybody any good.
Long life Atar communications Nigeria Limited!
May God bless Nigeria!
