The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged broadcasters across the country to hold governments and public office holders accountable through responsible, professional and ethical journalism.

The Minister made the call at the third annual conference and induction of new members of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, SNB, held in Bauchi.

Represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, Idris said the conference theme, “Responsible Broadcasting in an Election Year: Countering Misinformation, Promoting Peace and Strengthening Democracy,” was timely as Nigeria approaches another electioneering period.

He charged broadcasters to educate the public, promote credible information and help audiences distinguish verified information from fabricated content, particularly with the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence.

The Minister said the ability to verify information before broadcasting has become increasingly important as AI and digital platforms make it easier for false and misleading content to spread rapidly.

Also speaking, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, commended the SNB for choosing Bauchi to host the conference and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing the media sector.

Represented by his Deputy, Muhammad Auwal Jatau, the Governor disclosed that the state government had committed more than three billion naira towards revamping the media industry in Bauchi.

The keynote speaker and Executive Director of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, Motunrayo Alaka, urged broadcasters to embrace emerging technologies while maintaining professional standards.

She particularly cautioned journalists to exercise greater care in reporting electoral activities, given the speed at which AI-generated and misleading information can circulate.

Earlier, the National President of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters said the association remains committed to promoting professionalism and strengthening the capacity of broadcasters nationwide.

He disclosed that the society currently has more than 1,500 members across the country and urged practitioners to continuously develop their skills and adapt to technological changes.

He stressed that Artificial Intelligence should serve as a tool to complement the work of broadcasters rather than replace professional judgment, ethics and human responsibility in journalism.