NBC Presents Provisional Approval  Of Broadcast  License To 67 Licensees

The Director General, National Broadcasting Commission, NBC Mallam Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, has urged the new broadcast licensees to use their platforms to unite the country and not to truncate the country’s democracy.

He made this call over the weekend, at the Commission’s Headquarters, in Abuja, where he presented the provisional approvals of broadcast licenses to the newly approved 67 licensees.

The DG, in his opening remarks stated that the presidential approval for new licenses in the broadcast industry is a testimonial that President Muhammadu Buhari yearns for media pluralism and freedom of expression.

He called on the new broadcasters to compliment the gesture of Mr. President by promoting the country’s democratic values, national unity, cultural heritage and peaceful co – existence as well as, act responsibly in accordance with the NBC Act, the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and other extant laws guiding broadcasting in Nigeria.

The NBC boss enjoined the new licensees to promote and sustain Nigeria’s diverse culture by ensuring diversity in programme contents for Nigeria’s widest audience. He further stressed that Nigerian content must be promoted and encouraged the production and projection of Nigerian life with the aim of achieving 70% local content.

Mall. Ilelah also called on IPTV(Internet Protocol Television) owners and all other broadcast stations streaming online to register with the Commission in order to avoid disconnection and prosecution.

He added that broadcasters should note that having a DTT or FM license does not warrant a broadcaster to stream online; stressing that they are two different licenses.  He reiterated that the Commission is working with security agencies to clamp down on illegal broadcasters in the country.

The DG, NBC, also reminded licensees that are yet to pay their outstanding debts to pay or have their licenses revoked for illegal broadcasting. Noting that refusal to pay is an economic sabotage, and the NBC would have no option than to collaborate with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to redeem the debts.

Mall. Balarabe Shehu Ilelah in conclusion, congratulated  the newly-approved licensees and informed them that part of the requirement for the commencement of test transmission, henceforth, will be to send their staff for training at the newly established Nigerian Broadcast institute.

Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, the Executive Secretary of the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria (BON), in his remarks, expressed his profound gratitude to the Commission for expanding the membership of their organization through the newly approved licensees.

He advised the new licensees to adhere strictly to the Nigeria Broadcasting code in order to prevent being penalized. He also encouraged them to pay their broadcast license fees as at when due.

Responding on behalf of the new broadcast licensees, the Chairman, Afé-Elemah company Ltd, Dr. Muhammed Mustafa Lecky, assured the management of the Commission that, they will be diligent in exerting their duties as broadcasters and work effectively in meeting up with the deadline for renewal of their broadcast license.