31 Broadcasters was Sanctioned by NBC for Fake COVID-19 Info, Hate Speech, and Obscenity

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.

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.

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.

“All the stations have been either 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,”

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.

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According to him, it also makes provision 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.

"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.

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.

"The higher prices will have an 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.

"However, some critical radical 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.

"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.