The call comes as Nigeria joins the global community to celebrate World Radio Day, observed annually on Feb. 13. The theme for the 2026 observance focuses on Radio and Artificial Intelligence.

In an interview, Stella Okunna, a professor of mass communication and deputy vice chancellor at Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, called on managers of radio stations to provide better remuneration and ensure journalists are trained and retrained to keep pace with changes in the industry and the professional use of AI in the newsroom.

AI is meant to complement human intelligence, not replace it, she said.

“That means that any modern journalist now working for radio should be AI-savvy. You must keep abreast of new developments in media work,” she said.

Speaking on radio and development, Okunna, the first female professor of mass communication in sub-Saharan Africa, said the advantages of radio are enormous.

“Radio excels as a voice of the people — a voice they can speak through, a voice they can hear, a voice through which development can be discussed, and a voice they can use to talk about development and their needs, particularly in our part of the world where development is desperately needed,” she said.

 Jacob Suemo, head of the Department of Mass Communication at Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, raised concerns about the welfare of radio workers, describing the situation as troubling.

“There seem to be very serious welfare concerns, and the conditions of service are very disturbing,” he said, pointing to harsh economic realities affecting journalists nationwide.

He commended broadcast journalists for their sustained commitment to excellence and development, particularly those working in radio stations across Nigeria.

Suemo described radio as a powerful and enduring tool for national development, noting that it has played a critical role in Nigeria’s history from the colonial era to the present political dispensation.

“Radio was instrumental in mobilization, informing, conscientizing and setting the agenda during colonial rule and continued after independence to mobilize citizens, hold leaders accountable and deliver information across the country despite infrastructural challenges,” he said.

He highlighted radio’s unique ability to reach underserved and rural populations, especially through broadcasts in local languages, which he said has strengthened access to information at the grassroots level.

Despite rapid technological changes and ongoing infrastructure deficits, he maintained that radio remains central to Nigeria’s communication ecosystem because of its flexibility and wide reach.

Radio reporters and presenters across Nigeria also said the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace has become inevitable in the industry.

Blessing Ogundola, who works with Midas 90.5 FM in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, said AI enhances speed and accuracy.

“As a radio journalist, I use AI as a support tool rather than a replacement for editorial judgment,” he said. “On a daily basis, it helps me transcribe interviews quickly, summarize lengthy documents, analyze data sets and generate background research on complex topics.”

He said AI, when combined with human judgment, editorial values and public trust, can strengthen journalism and help newsrooms deliver more accurate, timely and impactful stories.

Phoebe Gladys, a presenter with Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, said she uses AI for research and shaping discussion topics and angles, in addition to verification.

“Workshops should be done on how to understand and use different AI tools. Every broadcast journalist should be able to use these tools,” she said.

Sesugh Vihishima, a reporter with Agate Radio 95.5 FM in Makurdi, Benue State, said AI helps him gather accurate information on past records, figures, dates and names, especially when raw data is not readily available.

However, he decried the challenges facing radio journalists, noting that many people are reluctant to share information with reporters.

“A good news idea can die due to lack of sources and willingness to share vital information,” he said.

He also cited poor remuneration, ownership gatekeeping, poor working facilities, lack of funding for stories and inadequate hands-on training as factors affecting journalists’ performance.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization provides 13 ideas for the 2026 World Radio Day observance. The AI-focused ideas target both listeners and media workers. They include: using AI to elevate the human voice; transparency in the use of on-air voices; data protection; increased accessibility; addressing algorithmic bias; open-source AI; AI training; assisted journalism; editorial suggestions; connected listeners; AI sound creation; memory and AI; and low-tech and local AI.