NBC Cautions Broadcast Stations Over Guests Inflammatory Comments
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has reminded all broadcasters covering and reporting the 2023 General Elections to endeavour to abide with the provisions of the Extant Electoral Law(s), the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, and other relevant regulations guiding the broadcast of elections in Nigeria.
The Commission in a statement on Monday and signed by Mallam Balarabe Shehu Ilelah Director General, NBC observed that some guests on broadcast stations are making volatile allusions capable of causing unrest in the country.
Ilelah said for the avoidance of doubt, the Code admonished broadcasters in the following sessions which include 5.3.3(k) not use any vote obtained at a polling station or from an exit pollto project or speculate on the chances of a candidate; adding that section 5.3.3() relay election results or declaration of the winner only as announced by the authorized electoral officer for the election;
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According to him, the NBC ACT CAP N11, Laws of the Federation, 2004, also prescribes, in the third Schedule 12(6) that, “A licensee shall be responsible for the content of the station’s broadcast.
He added that the Commission, while reminding all broadcast stations by this release that they have a duty to promote sustainable democracy in Nigeria, also warned that appropriate sanctions would be meted out to any erring station that operates outside the confines of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
The Commission boss further enjoined all broadcasters to desist from using or allowing their platforms and facilities to be used for the broadcast of contents that may lead to the breakdown of law and order.
He pointed out that “Therefore, Broadcasters shall perform the role of peace agents by adhering to the principles of responsibility, accuracy and neutrality”.
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