Federal Polytechnic Auchi

     Auchi Poly F.M- Truly Grass Root Radio

     

    It was among the first to be issued license by the National Broadcasting Commission to operate as a campus/ community radio station in Nigeria and incidentally the first and only polytechnic among universities so considered as at 2007 batch. The radio station with the Frequency Modulation 94.1, Hillside F.M was launched by the Rector of the institution, Dr. (Mrs.) Philippa Idogho, alongside top dignitaries of the polytechnic among which were deans of schools, heads of departments and lecturers in Mass Communication Department.

Auchi poly’s main Gate.

It could be recalled that prior to the nod given the polytechnic and some other universities by the NBC to operate campus radio stations, the Unilag F.M which was established in 2002 remained the only campus radio station in Nigeria. It was during the administration of former president Obasanjo that eight more tertiary Institutions were granted the license to operate.

 

  

The Beneficiaries includes:

University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Obafemi Awolowo University, Amadu Bello University,  Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, National Teachers Institute, Kaduna, Maddona University and  the National Open University, Lagos.

In 2009, more tertiary institution including the University of Ibadan, Lagos State Polytechnic were also issued licenses to operate. These Institutions over the years have judiciously utilized their stations for the propagation of learning within their campuses as well as their community. No doubt, they are currently being regarded as best as far as the teaching of Mass Communication is concerned.

The journey to owning a campus radio station in Nigeria involves but not restricted to thinking of a befitting name to the propose F.M station, setting objective/ mission statement for the station,  application to the National Broadcasting Commission for a license and allocation of  frequency, erecting a broadcasting mast, buying of broadcasting equipment and staffing.

At the opening of the radio station, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. (Mrs.) P. Idogho was quoted to have said, “the official commissioning of the radio station was borne out of the desire to propagate mutual understanding between the institution and the public, radio is the fastest and cheapest means of communication with people at the grassroots without much interference”

 The implication of the above statement is that Hillside F.M exists to serve the needs/interest of the polytechnic and the host community. The community forms its audience unlike the scattered and heterogeneous audience of urban radio. Ironically, it was gathered that the Hill Side FM station has a clear signal up to some areas in the Northern part of the country including Kebbi State. Other areas are Benin, Asaba, Akoko, Ekpeshi, Igarra, Okpella and Okene.

The objective of the polytechnic F.M station which is operated by students as well as other people from outside, is to serve as a training apparatus for students to become professionals in their chosen fields of broadcasting; presentation, production, scriptwriting; engineering.

Dr. (Mrs.) P.O. Idogho                                                                                                                                                                            Rector, Auchi Poly.

On the operation:

The hillside F.M resumes operation by 8am and closes by 5pm each day usually from Monday to Sunday.

The polytechnic staff and students of the Mass Communication Department play active roles in the running of the station. They participate in the planning, designing and implementation of the programmes of the station. At time the host community members come in to present programmes in their local language to appeal to the interest of their local listening audience. The station is also used to propagate Islamic teachings being that most of the indigenes of Auchi are Muslims.

On the Programming

The contents/programme of the radio stations are localized. They are tailored on events, issues, people, trends that are of interest to the students and the host community. The radio station features lectures in English language, Citizenship education and other courses that students and the host community need to grow and develop their skills. Lecturers are thus invited to the station to educate their target audience.  Also, musical selections of different varieties are aired on the radio station.

Also, talk shows are aso featured. Prominent people in the community are usually intervieved on issue that borders the community, the state and the country.

Sports programmes anchored by students of the Polytechnic are also featured on radio station. These programes are tailored to suit the interest of the target audience of the station.

                                     Mr. Abraham Umobuarie HOD, Mass Communication

                      

On funding

Hillside F.M IS not a profit making venture, the revenue derived from commercials are used for the operation of the station.  Apart from commercials, it is solely financed by the management of Auchi Polytechnic.

Major equipment for The Auchi Poly F.M includes Mast height of between 200ft -250 ft., Generator Mini/micro cassette recorders, Studio, Transmitter (1 to 2kw power), Console (audio sound mixer), Microphone, Rugged facility to prevent humidity.

The Head of Mass communication department is responsible for whatever goes on at the radio station. He is the overall boss though he is answerable to the top management. All other staff working at the radio station are under him and as such accountable to him.