NBC defends new broadcast code

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) yesterday explained that the amendment of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code does not prevent investments in the industry, but to reposition and to make it more responsive to emerging realities.

Acting Director-General of the Commission, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, who stated this yesterday in Abuja, observed that the industry was facing challenges such as fund generation from advertising and programming.

He lamented that locals were no longer able to create contents, which led to influx of foreign production companies, some of them unlicensed by the Nigerian government.

“These companies have taken over the local content production space and by extension the advertising and broadcasting space, relegating the local entrepreneurs to oblivion,” he said.

The NBC boss noted the commission’s belief in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the industry, “but this must be done with the noble philosophy to promote our own national dreams and vision.”

He said the NBC wanted to protect the local broadcast industry from monopolistic and anti-competitive behaviour to stimulate advertising revenue into the sector and by extension the local creative industry.

According to him, the amended code, if properly executed, will benefit those who invest in Nigeria and the Nigerian media entrepreneurs and audiences.

“We know of a truth that broadcasting is dynamic, so are the challenges to regulation. The commission has noted all the concerns and observations, especially on 9.0.1 and 6.2.8.

“Section 6.2.8 clearly point that, ‘Exclusivity shall not be allowed for sporting rights in the Nigerian territory and, in furtherance thereof, no broadcaster or licensee shall license or acquire foreign sporting rights in such a manner as to exclude persons, broadcasters or licensees in Nigeria from sub-licensing the same.”