Broadcast professionals, government officials, media veterans and stakeholders gathered in Calabar to commemorate the 2026 World Broadcast Day, celebrating the resilience, evolution and impact of the broadcasting industry in Cross River State and beyond.
The event, which brought together broadcasters from various media houses, served as a platform to reflect on the journey of broadcasting, appreciate practitioners, and chart a progressive path for the industry.
“Broadcasters Deserve to Be Celebrated” Thelma Benson
In her welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Broadcast Media, Ms. Thelma Benson, described the gathering as long overdue, noting that broadcasters are rarely celebrated despite their immense contributions to society.
She commended industry professionals for their dedication, research, and consistency in informing, educating and entertaining the public.
“Broadcasters are not celebrated enough for the hard work we put in daily. Some of us are on air seven days a week. That is a lot of work, and it deserves recognition,” she stated.
Thelma Benson emphasized that the initiative to host an annual gathering of broadcast professionals would now become a tradition, providing a forum for industry players to share ideas, challenges and victories.
“If every other industry has awards and recognition platforms, why not broadcasting? This has come to stay,” she affirmed, expressing confidence in the continued support of the state government.
She encouraged participants to actively engage, ask questions and build professional networks, describing the event as “only the beginning of greater things to happen in our industry.”
Commissioner Reaffirms Government Support
Delivering the government’s goodwill message, the Honourable Commissioner reiterated the importance of broadcasting in governance, development and public enlightenment.
He described World Broadcast Day celebrated globally every February 13 as a UNESCO initiative established to honour the vital role of radio and broadcasting in information dissemination, education and emergency communication.
The Commissioner highlighted the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and digital innovation on modern broadcasting, noting that the Cross River State Government is committed to keeping pace with global trends.
He disclosed ongoing efforts by the administration of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu to strengthen media infrastructure in the state, including:
Upgrading broadcast equipment at the Cross River State Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC)
Expanding coverage reach across the state
Strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN)
Renovation and digital enhancement of the Cross River State Newspaper Corporation
“As an administration, we are determined to provide a conducive environment for media professionals to thrive,” he stated, commending broadcasters for their professionalism and sacrifice.
From Empire Service to Digital Era - Ogar Chronicles Broadcast History
The keynote speaker and former Managing Director of CRBC, Hon. Patrick Ogar, delivered a compelling historical overview of broadcasting in Nigeria.
Tracing its origins to the 1932 BBC Empire Service, Ogar walked the audience through key milestones including:
The Radio Distribution Service in Lagos
The establishment of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service (NBS) in 1951
The formation of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in 1957
The launch of Western Nigerian Television (WNTV) in 1959 — the first television station in sub-Saharan Africa
Deregulation of broadcasting in 1992, which ushered in private ownership and expanded press freedom
He emphasized that deregulation democratized access to broadcasting and created opportunities for more Nigerians to enter the profession.
Speaking from personal experience, Ogar underscored the importance of discipline, dedication and self-discovery in building a successful media career.
“There is no sense of entitlement in this profession. What you carry within you will speak for you,” he advised young broadcasters.
He nostalgically recalled the era when broadcasters doubled as engineering assistants and when discipline within the studio environment was sacrosanct.
A Call to Professional Excellence
The celebration underscored the critical role broadcasters play in shaping public opinion, promoting accountability and strengthening democracy.
Stakeholders unanimously agreed that beyond celebration, the industry must continue to embrace innovation, uphold ethics and invest in capacity building.
As Cross River joined the global community in marking World Broadcast Day, the event reaffirmed a shared commitment: to elevate broadcasting standards, celebrate practitioners, and harness media power for development.
Indeed, the voices behind the microphones were finally given a day in the spotlight.
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