The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has sanctioned 302 broadcast stations for various broadcast code violations, gistpeople reports
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This was revealed by Balarabe Ilelah, Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.
He also stated that President Muhammadu Buhari has authorized the establishment of 67 new radio and television stations in Nigeria.
Ilelah, who recited NBC’s scorecard, stated that Nigeria currently has 740 operational broadcast stations.
He did, however, add that the commission has fined 17 broadcast stations since the start of the presidential campaign for 2023 in September.
According to him, NBC warned 196 stations, cautioned 69, questioned 13 and referred nine stations to its national headquarters.
The names of the erring TV and radio stations, however, were not revealed.
In addition, Ilelah stated that the current administration issued licenses to 473 stations.
Among the accomplishments listed by Ilelah is the approval of NBC’s independence from political interference in the exercise of its regulatory functions, particularly in regard to President Buhari’s issuance and withdrawal of broadcasting licenses.
According to him, this contributed significantly to the reduction of violations by broadcasters, which was not previously possible.
In response to the Digital Switchover (DSO), the NBC DG stated that President Buhari has continued to support the DSO despite inherent implementation challenges.
“Using SIMULCRYPT, the Commission is currently working on delivering Nigeria to the life-changing experience of digital broadcasting.
“Against this backdrop, ITS and NTA-Star Nigeria have signed an agreement to make this a reality as soon as possible. The Commission’s Board of Directors has approved licensing the third signal distributor to restructure DSO. This is in addition to the current ones, ITS and Pinnacle,” he explained.
He stated that the commission is working to digitize the broadcast license application processes so that potential applicants can apply from the comfort of their own homes.
He also revealed that President Buhari has authorized the Commission to purchase cutting-edge Nationwide Broadcast Monitoring Equipment.
