National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has sanctioned 25 Broadcast Stations, while 16 others were given final warnings for the contravention of the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code during the National Election period.
Gatekeepers News reports that NBC Director General, Balarabe Shehu Ilelah disclosed this at a press briefing, saying the Commission, in the course of monitoring the electioneering exercise, observed with dismay that some Broadcast Stations allowed their platforms to be used by some guests, callers, and analysts to score unhealthy political points inimical to Nigeria’s corporate existence.
“Ethnic and religious profiling became awfully rampant. Invectives and Counterblasts were thrown freely by guests on the platform of broadcast stations to the detriment of the Nigerian people. Subversive discussion and reckless comments, capable of tearing us apart as a people were broadcast freely without proper gatekeeping. Ethics and professionalism were thrown overboard” he said.
“Summary of the report is as Follows; 17 Stations received sanctions for Broadcast of Partisan Content during the 24hours prior to Election. One (1) sanctioned for announcing result before authorized returning Officers made them public; Three (3) sanctioned for inciting Comments; Four (4) Sanctioned for divisive ethnic/Religious Content and 16 Broadcast Stations were given final warnings for various infringements,” the NBC boss stated.
Ilelah reiterated that the Commission will continue to carry out its mandate without fear or favour calling in Broadcast stations to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and the National Broadcasting Act CAP N11 Laws of the Federation, 2004 as the country go into the Gubernatorial and Houses of Assembly Elections in the next three days.
