NBC Instruct TV, Radio Stations Not To Disclose Details Of Bandits Activities
The National Broadcasting Commission, has ordered television and radio stations in the country, not to disclose “details” of the activities of bandits, terrorists and kidnappers in their reports.
The regulator specifically directed radio and television stations not to “glamourise the nefarious activities of insurgents” during their daily Newspaper Reviews.
As an unwritten custom, broadcast stations in Nigeria review Newspaper headlines daily before their breakfast shows.
In a letter dated July 7, 2021, issued to television and radio stations, the NBC, stressed the need for “caution” by broadcasters while reporting security challenges in the country.
The letter titled, ‘Newspaper Reviews And Current Affairs Programmes: A Need For Caution’, was signed by the Director, Broadcast Monitoring, Francisca Aiyetan, on behalf of the new Director-General of the Commission, Balarabe Ilelah.
The Commission reminded the broadcast stations to be guided by provisions of Sections 5.4.1(f) and 5.4.3 of the NBC Code which states thus:
“The broadcaster shall not transmit divisive materials that may threaten or compromise the divisibility and indissolubility of Nigeria as a sovereign state.
“In reporting conflict situations, the broadcaster shall perform the role of a peace agent by adhering to the principle of responsibility, accuracy and neutrality.”