The Board of the Katsina State Radio and Television Service (KTRTV) has called on the state government to urgently recruit qualified personnel and redeploy experienced staff to address the growing manpower shortage in the state-owned broadcast stations.
The resolution formed the major outcome of the Board’s 5th meeting held on Tuesday at the KTTV Headquarters in Katsina, where members expressed concern over the steady loss of skilled professionals due to retirement without corresponding replacement.
In its deliberations, the Board urged the government to approve the employment of suitably qualified staff for both the radio and television stations. It also recommended that trained personnel currently seconded as Public Relations Officers (PROs) in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) be returned to KTRTV, while other staff in non-core departments be reassigned to areas where their expertise is most needed.
The Board noted that these measures would help address the widening manpower gap, which has continued to affect operational efficiency and programme delivery.
Earlier in his opening address, the Chairman of the Board, Malam Ahmed Abdulkadir, said the meeting was convened to review progress made since the last sitting and to ensure sustained improvement in the operations of the Service.
He expressed satisfaction with recent infrastructural developments, particularly at the Katsina State Radio, where the installation of solar power systems at both the headquarters and the Dutsinma Transmission Station has significantly improved operations.
The Board commended the state government for the intervention, noting that the improved power supply has enabled the station to increase its daily transmission hours from six to fifteen.
Similarly, the Board applauded the government for approving the procurement of digital transmission equipment for KTTV, describing the move as a critical step towards modernising the station and enhancing broadcast quality.
The Chairman also noted that the establishment of an FM radio station would expand the reach and competitiveness of the Service when fully implemented.
He, however, reiterated that despite these gains, challenges such as inadequate staffing and revenue constraints must be addressed to ensure long-term sustainability.
The meeting also reviewed updates from the General Managers of Katsina State Radio and KTTV on operational performance, ongoing projects, and key challenges facing the stations.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the two organisations through effective oversight, strategic guidance, and constructive engagement with the state government.
The meeting was attended by Board members and the General Managers of both stations, among other senior officials.
