In a bid to revive the Ondo State-owned media outlets, Owena Press, publisher of The Hope titles, and the Ondo State Radio vision Corporation (OSRC), the State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has been urged to intervene in the near-collapse of these vital platforms.
Publisher of Starnews NG, Pastor Olumide Akinrinlola made the appeal to the Governor on Wednesday while reacting to the domicile state of the two government owned media houses.
The Hope Newspaper, established in 1989 as a weekly publication, evolved into a daily newspaper under the administration of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko. However, due to economic challenges, it was scaled back to a thrice-weekly issue. Regrettably, just a month ago, it was further reduced to a weekly publication, signalling a decline in its operations and outreach.
Similarly, the OSRC, once a household name in the state and beyond, now operates at a fraction of its former capacity, struggling with limited resources and reduced functionality, a far cry from its former glory.
Starnews NG reports that the primary cause of the decline in both media establishments can be traced to the economic downturn, and abandonment by late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, which has severely impacted their ability to function effectively. These institutions, crucial to the flow of information and public enlightenment, are in dire need of governmental intervention.
Akinrinlola, therefore, appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to act swiftly in addressing the dire situation of these media outlets, which play a pivotal role in the dissemination of news and information across the state.
“Their restoration is not only essential for the preservation of press freedom but also for the continued access to credible news for the people of Ondo State.
“In an era where information is power, neglecting these platforms could have far-reaching consequences for the state’s governance, development, and democratic engagement. Now, more than ever, decisive action is needed to restore these vital channels to their former stature.
“Moreover, these media houses serve as a crucial link between the government and the people, providing transparency, accountability, and a platform for civic discourse. Without a robust media presence, the state’s residents are left in an informational vacuum, which could lead to misinformation, lack of awareness of government policies, and a disconnect between the people and their leaders.
“The ripple effects of neglecting these media houses go beyond mere news dissemination. The workforce of these institutions, many of whom have dedicated their careers to serving the public through journalism and broadcasting, now face uncertainty and the potential loss of livelihoods.
“The creative industry, which thrives on media platforms like The Hope and OSRC, is also in jeopardy, as local content creators, journalists, and advertisers lose an essential outlet for their voices and work.
“Additionally, the erosion of local media has opened the floodgates for external influences, potentially diminishing the state’s cultural identity and local perspectives. If these media houses are allowed to deteriorate further, the narrative of Ondo State could be shaped by outsiders with little understanding of the local context and needs.
“Therefore, it is imperative that the state government provides immediate financial support and develops a long-term strategy to ensure the sustainability of these media outlets. This could involve fostering partnerships with private entities, enhancing digital transformation efforts, and exploring innovative revenue models that can shield these institutions from the vagaries of economic downturns.
“Ultimately, a vibrant, well-functioning media is the bedrock of any democratic society. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s intervention would not only revive these ailing institutions but also reaffirm his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the empowerment of the Ondo people through reliable information.
“The restoration of The Hope and OSRC could become a legacy-defining move for the governor, positioning him as a champion of press freedom and a protector of the people’s right to be informed”, Akinrinlola said.
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