Bauchi trains media personnel in ethical journalism, digital skills

The Bauchi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening state-owned media outfits in line with modern broadcasting standards.

This assurance was made by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Usman Shehu, on Wednesday at the opening of a three-day capacity-building workshop for staff of Bauchi Radio Corporation and the Bauchi State Television Authority.

The training which targets editors, reporters, producers, presenters, and other personnel from both radio and television stations, he said is designed to enhance professionalism, uphold ethical standards, and boost digital proficiency in public broadcasting.

Usman stated that the government is not only focused on reviving BRC and BATV but also plans to recruit new staff to strengthen their operations.

He emphasised that no meaningful productivity can be achieved without capacity development, noting that the workshop was initiated in collaboration with the management of both stations to enhance skills, share knowledge, and improve content delivery.

According to him, “We expect improved performance in areas such as accurate reporting, sound editorial judgment, creative programming, and captivating storytelling.

“This training is a school in itself, providing a platform for discussion, in-depth analysis, and forecasting of future trends in broadcasting,” he said.

The commissioner described the training as a significant milestone in the state’s media development journey and urged participants to remain attentive and fully engaged throughout the sessions.

While commending Governor Bala Mohammed for approving the first-of-its-kind training, which is expected to uplift public service broadcasting in the state, he equally appreciated the roles played by media unions such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Radio, Television and Theatre Workers’ Union, and regulatory agencies, urging continued cooperation for sustainable development in the sector.

Also speaking, the Bauchi State Head of Civil Service, Barrister Sani Umar, lauded the ministry for organising the training in line with global best practices.

He encouraged civil servants, especially those in the media, to uphold professionalism, discipline, and the civil service code of conduct.

Umar stressed that “The training will improve efficiency, responsiveness, and innovation.

“Participants will learn the essentials of content development, audience engagement, and modern communication tools to remain competitive in today’s digital media environment.”

The news  reports that in their separate remarks, the NUJ State Chairman, Umar Saidu, and RATTAWU State Chairman, Comrade Sirajo Wunti, described the training as timely and vital.

They pledged to maintain strong partnerships with the government to advance media professionalism in Bauchi State.