NBC insists on applying sanctions on erring stations

The Director General of the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Is’haq Modibbo Kawu has warned broadcasting stations across the country that the commission will not hesitate to punish erring stations that go against its laid down rules and regulations.

Kawu assured that the commission will continue to execute its responsibilities without fear or favour and shall apply the relevant sanctions on erring stations whenever they violate the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and the Regulation of Musical Content on the Airwaves.

In a press statement made available on Friday and signed by NBC’s Head, Public Affairs, Mrs. Maimuna Jimada, the NBC said that “the attention of the NBC has been drawn to comments and observations in the media space regarding the fine imposed on Jay FM, Jos, for continuous airing of vulgar and indecent musical lyrics in spite of verbal and written warnings to the station”.

The statement added that Kawu emphasized the fact that the commission has been very proactive and responsive in its efforts at regulating the broadcast industry, especially as regards to ensuring the citizens’ right to quality broadcasting.

He said that “the Act establishing the NBC empowered the commission, to amongst other mandates in Section 2.1(h) to establish and disseminate a National Broadcasting Code and set standards with regard to the contents and quality of materials for broadcast.

“This, the commission has done and because of the revolutionary nature of broadcasting, the Nigeria Broadcasting Code is reviewed every four years in a stakeholders’ participatory process. Information about the review of the code is disseminated widely and participation is open to all relevant and interested members of the public.

“Consequently, the code is a document which has the inputs of a wide variety of stakeholders. In addition, the code is available on the NBC website and media pages and at our various offices located across the country.

By industry standards, broadcasting stations are mandated by law, to adhere strictly to the dictates of the code and where they falter, the commission initiates the sanction process.

“The director general hereby states that all actions of the commission are strictly informed by and carried out according to the dictates of the law and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code”.

Kawu stated that in other climes, artistes produce content in at least two versions; the broadcast version which follows broadcasting guidelines is deemed fit for broadcast and made available on broadcast stations and outlets, adding that “in such cases, the original version is still available through private channels not regulated such as on music streaming services or at private events”.

The director general therefore enjoins artistes to produce broadcast versions of their works to enable broadcast stations use them without contravening the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code adding that the Nigerian artiste has a responsibility to the country.

“Today, popular songs of leading Nigerian musicians garner millions of views on YouTube. This indicates the level of influence they exert upon the young people who make up the majority of our country’s population. We believe our artistes should offer a positive influence on this young population.

“Broadcasting is a creative medium characterized by professionalism, choice and innovation to serve the interest of the general public and is expected to influence society positively by setting the agenda for the social, cultural, economic, political and technological development of the Nation for the public good”, he added.