1. Emechebe, Jonas N. Zonal Director Radio Nigeria South South Zone
Brief on Science Communication Activities in Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN)
Emechebe, Jonas N.
Zonal Director Radio Nigeria South South Zone

2. Profile
Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria was founded in 1933 by the British colonial government then called Radio Diffusion Service (RDS)
April 1950, the RDS became the Nigerian Broadcasting Service and introduced radio stations in Lagos, Kaduna, Enugu, Ibadan, and Kano.
NBC and the Broadcasting Corporation of Northern Nigeria (BCNN) were merged in 1978 to become the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

3. Widest Radio Network in Africa
With 36 FM stations, and 6 zonal stations (SW & MW), across Nigeria, and a strong online presence and streaming, FRCN is the largest radio network in Nigeria
2006 Survey: 47.5million listeners
FRCN owns a National Broadcast Academy which runs short courses located in Lagos

4. ICT Infrastructure
FRCN is currently upgrading its ICT infrastructure in order to improve connectivity and effectively host webinars

5. Coverage of Science and Technology
FRCN has a strong Science and Technology Correspondent
We have programmes in Agriculture, health and environment in various Nigerian Languages
We collaborate with Universities to enhance the training of our staff in addition to the training in the National Broadcast Academy. We accept their students on internships.
Most of our programmes are designed and run by our in house producers

6. Possible Gains from SCRIPT
Rejuvenation of interest in Science Reporting
Creation of a full fledge Science Reporting Unit/department
Better industry-academia relationship
Expansion of our language channels at the zone and the National Language Network Station

7. Possible Challenges Economics of the Media funding
Low interest in Science desk by staff
Limited Specialize Training Opportunities
Language barrier: Poor communication between Journalists and Scientists