Why Omisore Established Crown FM Radio in Osun

The mixed feelings that greeted the establishment of Crown FM 101.5 radio station in Osun State were quite understandable. When it hit the airwaves on June 7, 2014, many people regarded it as a good development, while there were others who perceived it as politically motivated.

The political motivation perception was unavoidable, considering the facts that the new radio station is owned by a frontline
politician, Senator Iyiola Omisore who was the candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the last August 9, 2014 governorship election in the state and was established when election campaign was at its peak.

Apparently, the radio station was a vehicle for Senator Omisore to reach out to people of the state and mobilise supporters for his election. But since after the election, Crown FM has remained, and continues to wax stronger. More residents of Osun state seem to be developing interest in the FM station as it strives to win the hearts of radio listeners and carve a niche for itself in the broadcast industry.

Its Director-General, Prince Diran Odeyemi explained that the new radio station was licensed by the National Broadcasting Commission which issued it the 101.5 frequency. Odeyemi said the radio station was established when Omisore observed that there was need for the people to have a voice, just as the late Chiefs Obafemi Awolowo and Moshood Abiola felt when establishing the Tribune and the defunct Concord newspapers respectively. He noted that the mission of the Crown FM is to maintain the highest possible professional standards of programme content, presentation and technical quality within the broadcast industry.

According to him, "We see Crown FM as a progressive radio station committed to social justice, focusing on public affairs issues and the arts. We are to assist the community to be a healthier and better place through professional broadcasting. The FM would be a forum for many voices by providing an outlet for the expression of a wide spectrum of ideas, especially for those lacking media access. We believe that with all these, we will be able to provide a common resource for balanced news, music, entertainment, local features and all-round information. The NBC had visited us more than three times and the body commended us and advised us on the areas they wanted us to improve".

Odeyemi added that the primary aim of establishing the radio station was to create employment opportunities for people and provide access for people to hear the truth about happenings in the state.

Crown FM has, at least, 30 staffers and may employ more. His words: "Apart from Omisore's determination to provide jobs for people through Crown FM, it became necessary for us to have a radio station, considering the way the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) refused to air anything from Omisore and his party, the PDP. We were completely denied the opportunity to air our adverts and stories on the OSBC. We reported them to the NBC, which fined the OSBC.

"But the OSBC increased its advert rates so as to prevent the opposition political parties from patronizing the state-owned radio and television stations," he said.

Asked whether the Crown FM is relating well with the state's Ministry of Information, Odeyemi said "We have not had any deal with the Osun State Ministry of Information, but we will not hesitate to go to the ministry when the need arises. We are even planning to bring the Commissioner for Information, Mr Sunday Akere to our studio to speak. We have also invited some All Progressive Congress chieftains, including Sikiru Ayedun, Commissioner for Tourism and Honourable Rotimi Makinde who is a member of the House of Representatives to interviews on Crown FM".



Tina Olabisi lives in Ile-Ife and loves listening to the Crown FM. "I don't have a radio in my house. I only listen to the radio on my phone. I was discussing with a friend recently whom I told I do not enjoy the radio stations in Osun State, compared to the radio stations in Lagos state. My friend then told me about Crown FM. She said the station is okay and within reach. That was how I picked interest in Crown FM and it has become my favourite now," she quipped.

Like Tina, Geraldin Eneh said she is developing an interest in Crown FM. She stated, "I don't usually listen to the radio when I'm in the house because I'm always busy, but I listen to the radio in my husband's car. I like all the radio stations in Osun state but Crown FM is my favourite."

For Pastor Gabriel Olawole Eludire, Crown FM presents him an opportunity to preach to people. The clergyman said, "I love Crown FM and I'm enjoying its programmes. I hope I could use it to preach the gospel of the Lord to His children and I'm already working on that".

Dr. Deji Adejobi of the Department of Agricicultural Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife said, "I had listened to the Crown FM, especially during the last governorship election in the state. There was nothing outrageous about its programmes and it is not offensive. They play nice music and I think it is fair."

Similarly, the Chairman of the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Mr Biodun Olalere described the establishment of the station as a good development for the broadcast industry in the state. He noted that he has not really been paying adequate attention to the content of its programmes. However, he expressed joy that the new radio station would create job opportunities for NUJ members.

On the issue of ownership influence, Odeyemi said members of the public have nothing to fear as he explained that the radio station is being managed by professionals and the owner gives them a free hand. He said, "Senator Omisore is not imposing anything on us. It is interesting to know that the General Manager of Omisore's Crown FM, Mrs Ibukun-Oluwa Adebimpe Atofolaki was the General Manager of Unique FM103.5 owned by Governor Rauf Aregbesola."

Odeyemi spoke on his previous encounter with Atofolaki and the choice of the woman as the GM of Crown FM. "When she was serving at Unique FM as General Manager, as an adherent follower of Aregbesola, the woman would tackle me on the facebook over issues concerning politics of Osun State. At that time, I was serving as the Director of Media and Strategy for the Senator Omisore Campaign Organization and that was why we often disagreed on issues. It got to a stage that my wife could no longer bear it, she intervened and debated with Atofolaki on the facebook. It was that bad. But that did not affect my decision when I saw her application among those of 10 people that applied for the position of GM of Crown FM. I admitted that she was qualified professionally and I employed her. She is doing her job well and we have both put what happened between us on facebook behind us".

The coverage areas of Crown FM are Osun and other neighbouring states, including Ondo, Ekiti, and (Ibadan) Oyo State. "Our engineers are working on our transmitters and we hope to improve. "When we first came on air, the intention was to test the transmitter but by popular demand, we could not shut down again," its Director-General said.

allafrica.com