The Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), in collaboration with partners under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance (EU-SDGN II) programme, recently paid a visit to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) headquarters in Abuja.

The conversations during the visit centred on three key areas, inclusivity, regulatory framework, and independence of the regulator.

Concerning inclusivity, the stakeholders advocated integration of sign language interpreters in broadcast programmes; increased media awareness and enforcement of policies to protect persons with disabilities; enhanced female representation in key roles, and publication of audit reports from stations.

They also emphasised the commission’s responsibility in content regulation, particularly highlighting a decline in cultural programming.

Regarding the regulatory framework, the team spoke on the need to review of the Broadcasting Code, licence fees, and licence issuance processes.

They also canvassed safeguarding the commission’s independence in order to effectively deliver on its mandate.

While responding, NBC Director General, Charles Ebuebu, noted the broadcast landscape is evolving. He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to adopting innovative approaches to regulation.

Ebuebu further underscored the dual commercial and policy dimensions of media and programming, assuring stakeholders of the commission’s determination to balance both in the interest of national development.