We need clarification on broadcast code to avoid manipulation – Dokpesi Jnr
Chairman of Daar Communications Plc, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr, has called for clarification and a clear standard operating procedure on the provisions of the National Broadcasting Code. Speaking at a recent briefing, Dokpesi Jnr said such clarification would remove vagueness that could be subjected to manipulation by individuals with political interests. On the issue of tough […]
dokpesi jnr
Chairman of Daar Communications Plc, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr, has called for clarification and a clear standard operating procedure on the provisions of the National Broadcasting Code.
Speaking at a recent briefing, Dokpesi Jnr said such clarification would remove vagueness that could be subjected to manipulation by individuals with political interests.
On the issue of tough penalties imposed on some private broadcast stations, Dokpesi said there was no responsible government anywhere in the world, including Nigeria, that would leave the information space entirely unregulated. He maintained that there is always “some level of regulation, some level of censorship, some level of laws that are intended to keep media discourse civil and without harm to people and personalities.”
He also stressed the need for a stakeholders’ agenda on revenue for the broadcast industry in the face of digitisation, disruption and audience fragmentation, to determine means of co-existence that ensure each content creator gets the right rewards and monetisation.
“If you are in the UK, I’m sure you are familiar with Sky or Virgin Media. It doesn’t matter, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, BBC 1, BBC 2. They are freely available. Even in South Africa, the free-to-air channels are freely available to everybody, irrespective of economic capacity to pay,” he said.
On how he has managed the Daar Group since the demise of his father and the founder in May 2023, Dokpesi Jnr faulted the process for convening a board meeting without his knowledge.
“Ordinarily, when the passing of a founder happens, it is normal to have an emergency meeting so that as an organisation, we are willing to address how to move forward. But these things do not usually happen in a vacuum, without the knowledge of the chairman,” he said.