Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc (owners of African Independent Television, owners of AIT and Raypower Radio, Raymond Dokpesi Jr., has declared his intention to run for the Chairmanship of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), outlining plans to modernize the country’s broadcasting sector through regulatory reforms, industry support, and collaborative growth.
Speaking at DAAR Communications’ headquarters in Abuja, Dokpesi Jr. described Nigeria’s broadcasting industry as being at a “critical crossroads,” facing economic pressures, digital disruption, and regulatory challenges.
He stressed the need for unity among broadcasters to ensure the sector’s sustainability.
Dokpesi Jr. highlighted the importance of BON’s principle of rotational leadership, which he said ensures inclusivity and representation for public, private, cable, satellite, and emerging broadcasters. “Rotation gives all operators, regardless of size, a sense of belonging and a stake in the industry’s future,” he said.
On regulation, Dokpesi Jr. called for a balanced approach, noting that while oversight is necessary for matters such as national security and emergencies, excessive control should not undermine press freedom.
He also advocated for revising the National Broadcasting Commission Act, which he described as largely a holdover from Nigeria’s military era, and suggested shifting from punitive measures to incentives and self-regulation to improve standards.
He warned that the economics of broadcasting in Nigeria have become unsustainable, urging government intervention and new funding models to support industry growth. Dokpesi Jr. proposed strategies to attract investment, promote digitization, and foster innovation to ensure long-term viability.
Dokpesi Jr. outlined five pillars for his BON agenda: safeguarding national information sovereignty, promoting ethical content, enhancing inclusivity and accessibility, driving innovation through technology, and ensuring sustainable growth. He cited reforms implemented at DAAR Communications as evidence that such strategies could create value across the industry.
He called on broadcasters to embrace unity, strategic engagement with government, and forward-looking innovation to secure the future of Nigerian broadcasting.
