The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has said broadcast presenters who convey their personal opinions as facts or bully guests on air will be sanctioned.
The commission in a statement on Friday, said it has observed an increase in violations of the sixth edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across news, current affairs and political programmes.
The statement reads, “The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has identified a sustained increase in breaches of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across News, Current Affairs, and Political Programmes.
“Broadcast platforms are increasingly being deployed in ways that depart from their core obligation to inform the public with accuracy, balance, and professionalism.”
The NBC stated that some presenters and anchors now deviate from professional standards by compromising neutrality during broadcasts and denying fair hearing to opposing views.
The commission cautioned that such conduct contravenes provisions of the code, which require presenters to remain neutral and ensure all sides to issues of public interest are fairly represented.
“Henceforth, any anchor or presenter found to have expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, denied fair hearing to opposing views, or otherwise compromised neutrality, shall be deemed to have committed a Class B breach,” NBC said.
The NBC also raised concerns over the rising use of broadcast platforms by political actors to air divisive, inflammatory and unsubstantiated content.
It emphasized that broadcasters bear full editorial responsibility for all content aired, including during live programmes, and that such responsibility cannot be transferred to guests.
The NBC said it will apply strict compliance with the broadcasting code, warning that breaches such as, hate speech, incitement and lack of balance will attract sanctions.
The commission urged broadcasters to maintain professionalism, fairness and accuracy, adding that as Nigeria enters a critical electoral period, the airwaves must not be used to spread misinformation.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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