On Nigerian Radio Phoney Accents

I've suppressed the urge to make comments on the quality of broadcasters and on air personalities we have in Nigeria until now. 

A good number are only in business because they look good, talk with an acquired accent or possess some unusual views about life. However,  there are still those who are extremely good and gifted at what they do. 

Some radio stations in Lagos have younger individuals as their anchors but the overall quality and experience of some of these folks is up for debate while the truly genuine ones are a delight always.  

I'm afraid that some radio stations with significantly high followership may have surrendered their platforms to individuals who do not realise the responsibility which talking on radio to people entails hence such individuals place less emphasis on preparation. 

How can one explain how someone on a radio show displayed ignorance on Lassa fever which is currently in the news ? The brother was in the studio with about 2 or 3 other guys and they were analysing latest news headlines. The story that brought about the Lassa discussion was a 'deratification' exercise by the Lagos state government at some markets which recorded a high number of rodent casualties. 

Then this brother decided to activate his facial musculature and asked why the state government was only going after rodents. The other chaps were trying to answer his question but he continued and asked "why not bats? " I'm not certain how stunned the other guys in the studio were but one still managed to inform him that only rats spread the disease.  

I gave up and tuned away when the brother decided to continue with his revelation by saying he went somewhere and perhaps saw plenty bats.  I didn't listen further after he said he went somewhere. 

I don't expect everyone on radio,  television or whatever social media platform to be experts in all fields but the minimum demand which should be placed on such individuals is preparation so that one is able to give out accurate information almost all the time. Will it be acceptable if any show host/ hostess is unable to say a sensible thing or two about malaria,  HIV/AIDS, child trafficking or bribery and corruption ?

It's one thing to have to interview an expert in any field; it is however another tin of sardines to be adequately prepared to ask the right and relevant questions in such a case.  It is important to know one's limits on particular subject matters which may be way beyond the intellectual capacity of the broadcaster. When water pass garri; one should be able to borrow oneself brain and femme la bouche so that person wey truly sabi go fit yarn.  Sadly in some quarters,  this is viewed as a sign of weakness.  

It is important that individuals with access to the media realise that they are trusted with information capable of saving or destroying humanity.  Lack of adequate preparation and nonchalance can distort information and create problems. It is the manipulation by those entrusted with information that criminals hide under. Those who are hell bent on evading justice and basking in corruption are assured that those who ought to help in shaping and forming public opinion still have a price tag. 

It is one thing to have preferred or adored media idols some of whom have become overwhelmed by the celebrity lifestyle;  it is another thing to be discerning enough to expose falsehood,  manipulation and stupidity even if it proceeded from the lips of those revered.  We were not created to be gullible and at the mercy of politicians,  celebrities especially the collar and bling wearing kind. We should read extensively on our own for understanding and to verify  whatever information comes our way.  

This Lassa gaffe might be a complete non issue to many folks but to me it's just a reflection of our society.  We need to be concerned about our country and how she functions even if war heads and plagues are not knocking on our front doors. ..yet!


26-01-16