To Whom It May Concern: Nigerian Radio Presenters Are Exhausted

In any industry, high performers stand out. Nowhere is this more evident than in broadcasting—where station managers keep everything on track, program directors shape top-tier content, and presenters keep audiences engaged.

But nothing drains a high-performing radio professional faster than realizing that their reward for excellence is an ever-growing workload, cleaning up the incompetence of others, and enduring a toxic work environment. I have been there, and it sucks.

Radio presenters don’t just do their jobs—they go above and beyond to carry the station’s brand, connect with listeners, and deliver high-quality content. Yet, too often, they find themselves overworked, underpaid, and unappreciated. Beyond that, many have to navigate environments where managers play favoritism, bully staff, and fail to foster a culture of support and professional growth. Instead of being valued for their skill and dedication, presenters are left to fend for themselves, taking on multiple roles without fair compensation.

Take, for example, the news presenter who is expected to consistently deliver credible bulletins, only to spend extra hours rewriting scripts riddled with errors from a careless newsroom team. Instead of focusing on their on-air delivery, they find themselves doing the work of two people just to maintain credibility.

Or the on-air personality who, beyond presenting, is expected to produce their own show, research content, book guests, and even handle social media promotions. Instead of engaging their audience and refining their craft, they are drowning in behind-the-scenes tasks that should be handled by an entire production team—yet they receive only one paycheck, with no recognition for the additional work.

And then there’s the issue of low and irregular pay. Nigerian radio presenters are often paid meager salaries that do not reflect the value they bring to their stations. Many go months without being paid on time, leaving them struggling to make ends meet while still being expected to show up daily with energy and enthusiasm. They are asked to carry the station’s brand, attract advertising revenue, and maintain audience engagement, yet their financial well-being is treated as an afterthought.

The mental toll of working in such conditions is heavy. A toxic work culture where managers create a hostile environment only worsens the situation. Many presenters suffer in silence, knowing that speaking up might cost them their jobs.

There is little to no investment in professional development, leaving presenters feeling stagnant and undervalued. Unlike other industries where career growth is encouraged, many Nigerian radio professionals are stuck in a cycle of overwork and underappreciation, with no clear path to advancement.

How Can Station Owners and Managers Fix This?

If radio stations truly want to thrive, they must recognize that their greatest asset is their talent. The first step is enforcing accountability across all teams. Every team member—whether producers, news editors, sales executives, or technical staff—must be responsible for their specific duties. Presenters should not be expected to do the work of an entire team just to keep the station running.

If newsroom staff deliver sloppy scripts, they should be retrained or replaced. If producers fail to manage bookings, management must address the inefficiencies rather than expecting presenters to fill the gaps.

Beyond accountability, radio stations need to invest in professional development. Training programs should be provided to ensure that all employees, not just presenters, can efficiently perform their roles. Hiring decisions should be strategic, bringing in individuals who match the station’s work ethic and professional standards. If a station wants top-tier presenters, it must also invest in a top-tier support system.

Compensation must also be addressed. No one can give their best when they are financially insecure. Salaries should reflect the workload and market value of presenters, and payments must be made on time. If a station can rely on its presenters to maintain audience engagement and attract advertisers, then those presenters should be able to rely on the station for financial stability.

Lastly, the toxic culture within many Nigerian radio stations must change. Managers should foster an environment of respect, fairness, and open communication. Favoritism and workplace bullying should have no place in a professional setting. When presenters feel heard, valued, and supported, they can focus on their core job—creating content that keeps audiences engaged and stations successful.

The Bottom Line

Nigerian radio stations cannot continue to thrive on the backs of exhausted, underpaid, and unappreciated presenters. Excellence should never be rewarded with exploitation. If stations want to retain their best talent, they must invest in fair compensation, enforce accountability, and create a professional and supportive work environment.

Otherwise, the most talented presenters will either move to competitors or leave the industry altogether. And when that happens, everyone loses—except the stations that choose to do better.

Radio presenters, have you found yourself in this situation? How did you handle it?