SECTOR 2

With a regulatory framework described by panellists as open and lenient, media
concentrations have also developed in the broadcast sector. Steam Broadcasting
owns more than half a dozen radio stations and a TV channel across Nigeria.
Daar Communications, the owners of Africa Independent Television (AIT), also
own Ray Power FM and Faji FM.

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country meets only a few aspects of indicator

3

Country meets some aspects of indicator

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator

Average score:
Score of previous years:

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1.9
2008: 2.9; 2011: 1.3; 2015: 2.5

2.6 Government promotes a diverse media landscape
with economically sustainable and independent
media outlets
The media industry in Nigeria has grown mainly due to market forces. Indeed,
panellists said through policy and practices, authorities have sought to curtail
rather than foster a diverse, strong and independent media landscape. Despite
its public service role, the media in Nigeria enjoy no state subsidies and are taxed
in the same manner as other companies. Community broadcasting, which has a
clearly non-profit and community service mandate, neither enjoys tax breaks nor
benefits from special funds. ‘The media survive only by their ability to pay for the
cost of production,’ said one panellist. Another added that if the government
had the means, it would have made some media organisations ‘disappear’.

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country meets only a few aspects of indicator

3

Country meets some aspects of indicator

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator

Average score:
Score of previous years:

28

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2019

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1.9
2008: n/a; 2011: 2.5; 2015: 3.1

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Select target paragraph3