By Asuquo Cletus
The Managing Director of Star Cross Television, Sam Ogar, has said the station rejected advertisements promoting alcohol and smoking despite the financial challenges facing media organisations in the country.
Ogar disclosed this during a press briefing held as part of activities marking the 13th anniversary celebration of the television station in Cross River State.
According to him, the station remained committed to its religious doctrine and moral principles, stressing that the organisation would not compromise its values for financial gains.
He said, “Our doctrine is against encouraging drinking, smoking and other negative lifestyles. Even if somebody pays us one million dollars to advertise such content, certainly we will not do it because we cannot preach one thing and promote another.”
The media executive explained that the station currently spends about $3,000 monthly on streaming services provided by a British-based company in London, adding that the cost of maintaining operations had become more difficult due to economic realities and unstable power supply.
He noted that the organisation had also faced challenges relating to internet connectivity, cable theft and the high cost of running generators before installing a solar power system at its headquarters.
Ogar said despite the challenges, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Olumba Obu, continued to invest heavily in the station and staff development.
According to him, several workers of the station had been trained in Europe, America, Asia and within Nigeria to improve professionalism and broadcasting standards.
He added that many of the station’s presenters, camera operators and editors were trained internally and had grown to compete favourably with professionals in the media industry.
Speaking on the growth of the station, Ogar said Star Cross Television currently broadcasts through television, YouTube, Facebook and other digital applications, with audiences across sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world.
He further revealed that arrangements were ongoing for the station to be included on MultiChoice platforms to expand accessibility for viewers.
The managing director also commended members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists for their support since the establishment of the station in 2013.
He recalled that journalists from different media organisations attended the station’s first conference and contributed ideas that helped sustain the broadcaster over the years.
Ogar, however, called for stronger collaboration between Star Cross Television and the NUJ, particularly in the areas of public enlightenment and promotion of positive societal values.
