Nigeria: NBC fines three radio stations over broadcasting invariable content on COVID-19

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) of Nigeria has fined three radio stations over the broadcast of invariable content on COVID-19 and also sanctioned 28 others for other violations against the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, according to a news report by Premium Times.

The Acting Director-General of NBC, Armstrong Idachaba has made this statement at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

Idachaba, a professor, said that the three stations fined were Adaba FM and Breeze FM, all in Akure, as well as Albarka FM, Ilorin.

He has said that the stations were fined N250,000 each for broadcasting invariable claims and misleading information about the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NBC boss further stated that 28 other stations were sanctioned for violation of the code in areas bordering on hate speech, obscenity, technical breach, advertisement, invariable claims, and unprofessionalism.

"The commission wishes to, again, re-emphasize 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 said.

On reforms by NBC, Idachaba 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.

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 glad that the work is ready now, and the commission has published the provisions of the amendment of the code, "he said.