PREAMBLE

The Broadcasters Global Forum (BGF) is not a trade union or pressure group but a STRICTLY PROFESSIONAL group.

The Broadcasters Global Forum (BGF) is a STRICTLY PROFESSIONAL group of over 400 veteran and practising journalists across over a dozen countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritius, The United States, Canada, Italy, and The United Kingdom.

The term ‘Broadcasters’ is used loosely to refer to Radio and TV broadcast professionals but may include Print and Online journalists with audio-visual skills; creative artists; digital content creators; columnists and public affairs analysts with operational presence on social media.

BGF PURPOSE

The BGF PURPOSE is clear and the rules of engagement are simple.
The overriding goal is as captured in its PURPOSE statements:

1. To enhance broadcasting/media standards globally by SHARING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE, and INSIGHTS based on the core aspects of broadcasting: Editing, Reporting, Production, Presentation, Digital Media, News Analysis, etc.
2. To analyse trending news and developments globally, in furtherance of (1), fairly and objectively, and in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

BGF RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

  1. All content posted on BGF platforms (WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, Facebook, Website, etc.) shall be justified, with the poster’s name and a personal comment/question to indicate its professional relevance and stimulate engagement.
  1. The BGF NEWSROOM (BGFN) shall be used to preview and review broadcast and other media materials to learn from mistakes and best practices. Every correction and evidenced counter-correction made in the Newsroom shall be given and taken in good faith, bearing in mind that no one is perfect.
  1. The discussions and comments are meant to stimulate conversation, not to create contention. Therefore, allow others have their say, just as you may.
  1. Any member not interested in an ongoing learning exercise or professional conversation should not cause distractions by posting unrelated materials/comments.
  1. Members deemed passive or inactive, where activeness means participation in learning, training, and professional conversations, shall be exited from the group after at least three (3) months of inactivity.
  1. Members should read preceding posts and post only relevant messages. Do not spam the group with the same message(s) posted previously.
  1. No posting of video clips without captions/comments to help members assess their relevance and decide whether to download them or not.
  1. No posting of commercial messages of no professional relevance on any discussion thread or any other area where members might see them. Contact members directly with product and service information if you believe it would help them.
  1. No use/posting of indecent, condescending, obscene, gory, sexist, racist, violent, hateful, gratuitous or other inappropriate language, content, or emojis on the platform.
  1. The Forum shall not be used to propagate partisan agenda in relation to politics and religion. In other words, though political and religious issues may be discussed, it shall be within the context of broadcasting/media practice and how such discussions may improve professional skills and enrich members’ perspectives.
  1. BGF is not a Sunday School or House Fellowship group. Devotional materials should be kept for platforms set up for those specific purposes or sent directly to members.
  1. Verified news alerts (subject to Rule 1), information on training, employment, international exchange/partnership programmes and related opportunities for members’ improvement may be shared on the platform. This provision excludes anonymous ‘Forwarded or Forwarded Many Times’ materials.
  1. Entertainment is a major plank of broadcasting. Therefore, music, drama, jokes, cartoons, and other forms of entertainment that do not breach the BGF rules are welcome on the platform.
  1. ANY member who breaches ANY of the rules shall be issued a warning and evicted after the third breach. An evicted member may appeal for readmission after a minimum of two weeks of suspension with evidence of an apology tendered to the General Assembly through the Admins.
  1. Always remember that freedom of speech comes with responsibility. Therefore, ensure that you do not post libellous, inciting or seditious material/comments. Suggestions/comments on how to make the country better are not the same as a call to mutiny.
  1. It shall be the duty of all members to recruit more SUITABLE members by providing their contact details to the Group Admins for admission.

 

PROGRAMMES: The following programmes drive the BGF Purpose:

  • BGF Global News Review
  • BGF Newsroom
  • BGF Creative Corner
  • BGF Grammar Referee
  • BGF A Word A Day (Diction Drill)
  • BGF Veterans Corner
  • BGF Entertainment News
  • BGF Sports Review
  • BGF Training Series
  • BGF Social Events