Broadcast journalists were Wednesday urged to leverage their voices for positive change in the society. Mr. Akionla Owolabi, General Manager, Orisun FM, Oketase, Ile-Ife, Osun, made this call during a media chat in Ile-Ife, to mark World Voice Day (WVD).
World Voice Day is observed annually on April 16.
Owolabi noted that journalists generally were the voice for the voiceless, pointing out that the profession was a divine call, which must be effectively utilised.
Stated he: “We use voice for expression, to convey tone, emotion, personality. It also serves the purpose of identification and self expression, inspire, motivate and persuade, and an instrument of empowerment”.
The General-Manager observed that not everyone could speak and the voice would be heard or recognised in the society, just as he warned against abnormality in using voices.
Noted he: “That’s why broadcasting stations, especially radio stations, come in. Radio station serves as application of the voice for the maginalised in the society.
“They give voice to the under represented community, and individuals; they share stories and experiences of maginalised groups, they raise awareness about social issues.
“A lot of things are happening around us that the world will not know of, but thank God for radio stations, television stations and other media establishments.
“A lot of people have their rights trampled upon, cases closely related to the issue of human rights were being heard on radio or other media, which would have not been possible without them”.
Owolabi explained that media houses served as voice for voiceless and fight for social justice by raising awareness generally on platform for activism.
Observed he: “Radio serve at the community level; by educating, entertaining and have positive inspiring change that everyone can say something about the challenges facing and would be easily addressed.
“Different atrocities like kidnapping, raping, money laundering, stealing among others are not hidden again, but being broadcast on radio and other media houses”.
The expert urged all broadcasters to see themselves as occupying a divine position in the society, saying a lot of people were looking onto them.
Owolabi commended government for allowing the media to hold them accountable and for paving way for their coverage.
Noting that some developing countries do not allow social media operation, he acknowledged Nigeria government for allowing operation of social media.
He called on government to give more support to media houses for more improvement and positive achievements.
