The National Broadcasting Commission
(NBC) has fined three stations over broadcast of misleading content on COVID-19
and also sanctioned 28 others for other violations against the Nigeria Broadcasting
Code.
(NBC) has fined three stations over broadcast of misleading content on COVID-19
and also sanctioned 28 others for other violations against the Nigeria Broadcasting
Code.
National Broadcasting Commission fined
three stations for the broadcast of misleading content on the coronavirus
pandemic. The three stations fined are Adaba FM and Breeze FM, all in Akure, as
well as Albarka FM, Ilorin, said the NBC director-general Armstrong Idachaba.
three stations for the broadcast of misleading content on the coronavirus
pandemic. The three stations fined are Adaba FM and Breeze FM, all in Akure, as
well as Albarka FM, Ilorin, said the NBC director-general Armstrong Idachaba.
He said that the stations were fined
N250,000 each for broadcasting invariable claims and misleading information
about the COVID-19 pandemic. The 28 others violated codes on hate speech,
obscenity, technical breach, advertisement, invariable claims and
unprofessionalism.
N250,000 each for broadcasting invariable claims and misleading information
about the COVID-19 pandemic. The 28 others violated codes on hate speech,
obscenity, technical breach, advertisement, invariable claims and
unprofessionalism.
“All the stations have been either
queried or sanctioned according to the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting
Code
queried or sanctioned according to the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting
Code
Idachaba said: “The commission wishes
to, again, re-emphasise that all broadcasters must adhere strictly to the
provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and National Broadcast Act CAP N11
Laws of the Federation, 2004,”
to, again, re-emphasise that all broadcasters must adhere strictly to the
provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and National Broadcast Act CAP N11
Laws of the Federation, 2004,”
Idachaba on reforms by the NBC, said
the amendment of the sixth edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code as approved
by President Muhammadu Buhari made provisions for local content in the
broadcast industry.
the amendment of the sixth edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code as approved
by President Muhammadu Buhari made provisions for local content in the
broadcast industry.
According to him, it also makes provision
for increased advertising revenue for local broadcast stations and content
producers.
for increased advertising revenue for local broadcast stations and content
producers.
“It also creates restrictions for
monopolistic and anti competitive behavior in the broadcast industry. It
further makes provision for responsibility for broadcast stations during
national emergencies.
monopolistic and anti competitive behavior in the broadcast industry. It
further makes provision for responsibility for broadcast stations during
national emergencies.
“I am delighted that the study is
now ready and that the Commission has released the guidelines on the revision
of the Code,” he said.
now ready and that the Commission has released the guidelines on the revision
of the Code,” he said.
On Digital Switch over (DSO), the NBC
Chief explained that the Commission was considering a new license-free regime
and broadcasting license fees for digital terrestrial television (DTT)
operators.
Chief explained that the Commission was considering a new license-free regime
and broadcasting license fees for digital terrestrial television (DTT)
operators.
“The higher prices will have an
effect on the Regional Free-view DTT, the Fair Free-view DTT and the Local
Free-view DTT.
effect on the Regional Free-view DTT, the Fair Free-view DTT and the Local
Free-view DTT.
“The Committee wants all approved
DTT operators to initiate the collection of new charges which are lower than
those in the analog period.
DTT operators to initiate the collection of new charges which are lower than
those in the analog period.
“However, some critical radical
steps are being taken to get the DSO up to date.
steps are being taken to get the DSO up to date.
“There have been many online
discussions with different partners and stakeholders of the digital
environment.
discussions with different partners and stakeholders of the digital
environment.
“We have announced preparations
for a new timetable, showing the new cities to which we are going and the
information will be published as soon as the lock is completely eased,” he
added.
for a new timetable, showing the new cities to which we are going and the
information will be published as soon as the lock is completely eased,” he
added.
