I’ve been reading all the reactions to the list of radio stations in Oyo state, and I must say, it’s interesting to see how many people are criticizing the number of stations. But before we jump to conclusions, let’s get some facts straight!
Did you know that:
1 – 4 of these radio stations namely Ajayi Crowther University 88.5 FM Oyo, Diamond FM which belongs to the Univesity of Ibadan, Reiz FM which belongs to The Polytechnic Ibadan, and Lead City FM which is owned by Lead City University are campus radios established by tertiary institutions in the state to share information and offer practical experience for their students?
These stations are not commercial and cannot operate as such, they cannot even broadcast beyond their local area.
2 – Seven out of these stations belong to either the Federal Government or the state government – FRCN owns Asabari FM Saki, Premier FM, Amuludun FM Ibadan, and Ogo Ilu FM in Ogbomosho while the state Government through the B.C.O.S owns Oluyole FM, Ajilete FM, and Oke Ogun FM
The Government at the state and Federal levels set up these stations for proper information dissemination of the govt activities and also a parastatal where civil servants are employed as part of the responsibilities of the government
3 – We have a research institute IITA Radio 88.5 which will also not operate as a commercial radio station but as a source of information for all the research activities at IITA
There are others like Oxygen FM, Medal FM, Oyomesi FM, and Ilaji FM which have not even started operations
I needed to clarify this for the sake of those who just read the list and are not aware some of the stations have their specific purposes.
Now, let’s talk about the impact of these 61 radio stations on the state aside from the regular dissemination of news, quality programming, CSR, and many giveaways to the less vulnerable citizens. All the 61 radio stations you are condemning and asking why we have such numbers have employed more than 1000 people in the state if each station has a maximum of just 20 staff – I know some stations who have 50-70 staff on their payroll but let’s just leave it at that 1000 people to be modest
That is 1000 people taken off the street as job seekers and have been given opportunities to earn a living and also improve their skills as a broadcaster which could catapult them to greater heights
Those 61 stations rightfully and dutifully obtained licenses to operate paying millions of naira as revenue for the Government, they pay tax every month to the govt of Oyo state and pay electricity bills amongst other things they contribute to the GDP of the government at the local, state and federal level
If the problem is that they are struggling, it’s not only radio stations that are struggling, many businesses are struggling including the almighty banking sector which has led to the merger or complete shutdown of many in the last 5-10 years
If owing salaries is why some people are condemning them, a big newspaper media house here in the state is owing 8 months’ salaries but people will not talk about it because it’s not a radio station
If you think having just 61 radio stations for a population of almost 11 million in the state is too much, what can you say about Lagos having almost 70 radio stations at the moment?
The real issue here is not the number of stations, but why 90% of them are offering the same content, making it almost impossible for many of them to “blow”.
The other time I read about how poorly some people are paid in the industry, how much are teachers paid in private schools? I know many OAPs who earn more than professors in universities
Abeg if una wan talk radio, make we try dey put some respect. What you see in the broadcast industry is/are in other industries as well
– Radio Friend
2025-01-16