NBC goes tough, sanctions 87 TV, radio stations
…NTA, LTV, FRCN, AIT, Liberty, HOT FM, others affected
The National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has slammed 87 Television and Radio Stations with a fine of N11, 474,999 for infractions of broadcast rules as stipulated in the rules of the regulatory agency.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the NBC’s Head, Public Affairs, Mrs Maimuna Jimada, said that the stations were sanctioned for various offences ranging from vulgar lyrics to unverifiable claims.
The statement reads in part: “The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has released the list of broadcasting stations that have been sanctioned for various breaches in contravention of the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code in the fourth quarter of 2017.
“The contraventions include breaches of the rules on vulgar lyrics, unverifiable claims and hate speech amongst others. All the erring stations have been sanctioned in various categories according to the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
“The Commission wishes to re-iterate to all broadcasters that they have a duty to promote the socio-economic well-being of the Nigerian state and abide strictly by the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
According to the list, stations who received the highest fine of N500, 000 include AKBC TV, Uyo for broadcast of political campaign with 24 hours to election; Nigerian Info 99.3FM, Lagos for broadcast of content capable of inciting one community against (Asaba massacre); Express FM for campaigning before INEC approved time.
Other affected stations that received a fine of N100,000 include AIT Abuja for unverifiable claims to cure hypertension and treating of high blood sugar; Ray Power for advertisement of Lotto without stating terms and conditions; NTA Lafia for lack of aviation warning light; WE FM for endorsement of sponsor by presenter.
There is also Heart Land FM, (FRCN) Owerri for Unverifiable claims by trado-medical practitioner; FRCN, Maiduguri for Broadcast of unsubstantiated claims for cure by one Abubakar Baushes; LTV Lagos for Broadcast of NTBB musical and Liberty FM/TV Kaduna for Broadcast of trado-medics with spurious claims.
Also on the list is FRCN Harvest FM, Makurdi for Broadcast of series of musicals laced with vulgar lyrics and NTA, Lafia for Lack of aviation warning light.
