NBC tasks broadcasters on professionalism during guber polls

Ahead of November 16, 2024, Ondo State Governorship election, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has urged broadcasters to be professional and uphold ethics of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code.

In his welcome address at a stakeholders meeting on political broadcast in Ondo State, NBC Director General, Charles Ebuebu, stressed the paramount role of broadcasters in the dynamic landscape of democracy, which is to ensure that the coverage of political events and programmes foster informed citizenship and uphold the essence of democracy.

Represented by Director, Broadcast Monitoring, Gloria Makinde, Ebuebu added that broadcasters are expected to uphold the highest standards of journalistic ethics such as providing fair and balanced coverage by avoiding bias in reporting to ensure viewers receive a comprehensive understanding of the election landscape, as well as, fact-checking information before disseminating them to the public, thereby, combating misinformation and disinformation.

He further suggested broadcasters must have an internal mechanism for self-assessment and self-regulation, which would contribute to fostering a healthy and informed political discourse that benefits the Nigerian public during its electioneering period.

He disclosed the essence of the workshop is to remind broadcasters of their role and equip them with the necessary tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of election reporting with integrity, accuracy and impartiality

Makinde also spoke on the topic, ‘Towards free, fair and credible election: processThe role of the broadcast media.’ She stated that the media is a powerful house with great influence, which plays significant role in shaping democratic , thereby, influencing public opinions and holds politicians accountable by providing essential information to voters.

Makinde argued that the success of any election depends on the ability of media to provide accurate, unbiased and timely information to the public. She added that the place of Nigeria Broadcasting Code, at this time, is crucial, as it encourages, free access to the media by political parties, fairness, credibility and transparency during elections.

She highlighted the responsibilities of broadcast media in combating the spread of misinformation, disinformation and fake news during elections. She raised the need for fact checking the profile of candidates and their manifestos before disseminating information.

Makinde also urged broadcasters to maintain editorial independence, and not succumb to political pressures by adhering to journalistic principles of accuracy, fairness and balanced reportage, so as to make a difference and be proud of their achievement.

In his presentation, Director Investigation and Enforcement, NBC Chibuike Ogwumike, who spoke on, “The code as the guiding principle for political broadcast” observed the code represents the minimum standard for broadcasting in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and should be in accordance with the ideals of broadcasting.”

He stated that owing to the peculiar nature of politics, which necessitates the need to pay special attention to political broadcast, the Nigeria Broadcasting Code has set standard for political broadcast in the country, which is in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Ogwumike added that in discussing free, fair and credible elections and the role of mass media, attention must be shifted to practitioners and the prevailing political environment in the country, it is important that the government and political actors create conducive enabling environment for good journalism to thrive.

In conclusion, he urged the media to perform optimally during electioneering period, there should be further training for broadcasters and the operation of broadcast stations should not be interfered by politicians. He also called on broadcasters to remain professional in the discharge of their duties.