Journalists in Akwa Ibom State have expressed delight over the arrival of a new private radio station in the state, saying it would encourage media diversity and enhance access to information among the residents.
Until the arrival of Planet FM Radio, which has already commenced test transmission on 101.10 MHZ, there was no private radio station in the state as the two existing stations, Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation – Radio Service and the Atlantic FM, are owned by the state and Federal Government, respectively.
In a communiqué issue at the end of its monthly meeting, members of the correspondents chapel of Akwa Ibom State council of Nigeria Union of Journalists expressed delight over the establishment of the privately-owned radio station, describing it as a welcome development.
“This is a welcome development, it will facilitate access to information and create employment opportunities for youths in the state,’’ the communiqué said, urging members to continue to uphold the tenets of responsible journalism by setting agenda on issues of national development, rather than giving prominence to sensational reporting, particularly on political and ethnic issues.
They commended Total E&P Nigeria Limited for sponsoring a day capacity building workshop for journalists in the state, and urged other multi-national companies operating in the state to emulate the example.
The journalists also urged the political class in the state to tread with caution the planned moves to recall a senator representing Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District in the state, adding that other means of conflict resolution should be pursued to resolve their differences.
According to the journalists, recalling the senator could create ill feelings and bad blood among the component units within the state.
ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo
