Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, and Radio, Television and Theater Art Workers Union RATTAWU, in Niger State have resolved to approach regulatory agencies to sanction broadcast media houses airing provocative programmes, if they failed to abide by the ethics of the profession.
This was part of resolutions reached during an interactive session between the leadership of the two unions held at the IBB Pen House Minna yesterday.
The two Unions proposed a two-week ultimatum for such media houses to warn their staff to desist or face their action which may include picketing.
They expressed dismay that some unprofessional persons have taken over the airspace and operate without due recourse to the ethics of the profession.
The meeting commended Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, for appointing professionals as his media aides and urged other political office holders to emulate them.
The two Unions called on the governor to reintroduce hazard allowance for members and also resuscitate the abandoned Radio Niger AM Station, in view of its importance to the people, especially at the grassroots.
Earlier, the State Chairman of RATTAWU Comrade Isah Mahmud, had called on the leadership of the two unions to join hands together to check professional misconduct of some practitioners, adding that social media operations were quite different from conventional media with trained personnel.
He stressed the need for the unions to accord priority to the welfare and training of members, as well as encouraging members to acquire professional certificates.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of NUJ Comrade Abu Nmodu, appreciated the delegation for the visit and hoped that the relationship would be strengthened.
Comrade Abu Nmodu said the NUJ has set up disciplinary and ethics committee to deal with cases of quackery, indiscipline and non-adherence to the ethics of the profession and called for regular interface between the two unions for constant sharing of ideas.