The Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has fined Channels TV and Inspiration FM in Lagos N5 million each for suspected violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
Prof Armstrong Idachaba, the commission’s acting Director-General, claimed that the NBC had provided Channels TV with a letter alleging that the station was liable for code violations following the broadcast of its show, “Politics Today,” on April 25, in which the station granted an interview to one of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra’s representatives.
Both stations, according to Idachaba, admitted responsibility for the violations and had previously given unqualified apologies.
The Commission has reviewed both stations’ appeals and apologies, according to the NBC chief, and has agreed to forego the option of suspending their licenses.
“The Commission has, however, directed both stations to pay N5 million penalty each to serve as a deterrent,” Idachaba said in a statement.
According to Idachaba, Channels TV station broke Sections 3.11.1(b) and 5.4.3 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, while Inspiration FM broke Sections 3.11.1(b) and 5.4.3 of the Code by airing a proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) program on May 2.
The broadcasts, according to Idachaba, were divisive and inflammatory.
He said, “Section 3.11.1(b) says “the broadcaster shall ensure that no programme contains anything which amounts to subversion of constituted authority or compromises the unity of corporate existence of Nigeria as a sovereign state.
“Section 5.4.3 says “in reporting conflict situations, the broadcaster shall perform the role of a peace agent by adhering to the principle of responsibility, accuracy and neutrality.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
