2015: NBC Cautions Broadcast Media On Unprofessionalism

AHEAD of next month’s general elections, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has cautioned media players to live above parochial interests and follow professional standards on political campaigns.

  The commission was established by Act 38 of 1992, as amended, to regulate and control broadcasting space in Nigeria.

   A statement signed by the Kaduna Zonal Director of the commission, Ibrahim Isa Wada, warned media owners to play by the rules and prevent attempts by politicians to use their platforms to overheat the polity, a situation that he said is capable of triggering political violence.

  Citing situation where politicians with ulterior motives are allowed to use the broadcast media unlawfully, to the detriment of society, the NBC insisted it will not hesitate to take decisive measures against any broadcast station that undermines professional responsibility, as prescribed by law.

 The regulatory agency urged broadcast organizations to maintain “decent language in political broadcasts and ensure broadcasts do not contain inflammatory, provocative, inciting, defamatory or offensive materials.

  “Broadcast stations shall give equal opportunity to political parties while always adhering strictly to provisions of the NBC code, Electoral Act and all laws on political coverage. A station is allowed to sell airtime for political campaigns but shall avoid monetization and commercialization of news coverage. Free and fair elections is our collective responsibility; we must ensure healthy political and civic education.”