BREACH OF NIGERIA BROADCASTING CODE: A Sanction
The National Broadcasting Commission, on Saturday 17th November, 2022 monitored the broadcast of a Press Release purportedly signed by Festus Okoye Esq., the National Commissioner and Clairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of the
Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC
The said Press Release alleged that INEC is investigating the use of forfeiture by a US
Court against the Presidential Candidate of the APC, with a view to prosecution.
The Press Release in reference has been tagged FAKE by INEC and the Organisation has also sued a counter Press Release to refute the story.
This is a most unfortunate breach of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and gross display of unprofessionalism and insensitivity by your organization at this time of electioneering.
It would be recalled that the National Broadtasting Commission, between 19th and 26th of Sepiember 2022 went round the country to sensitize broadcasters-and remind them on the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and the Electoral Act as We Count
down to the 2023 General Flections. The Commission also underscored the need for broadcasters to double check the veracity of any information especially those from the Social Media, (User Generaled Content, UCG) Ref: Nigeria Broadcasting Code 5.65.
News is the most potent of all brondesst and therefore the etitorial responsibility of the broadcasters is sacrosanct. Every news item must be verified. And section 5.0.1 of the Nigeria broadcasting code provides “News shall be presented as a truthful and accurate account of an event or phenomenon. News requires the highest level of responsibility by practitioners in adhering to the most pristine of thier professional ethics.
This includes truthfulness, accuracy, fairness, objectwity, impartiality.
Section 5 1 3 of the code Says “FAKE NEWS IS PROHIBITED
Although , your station
has tendéred apology to the presidential candidate of APC-after
the professional
glitch , the commission expects broadcaster to ensure utmost
Professionalism as anything contrary may have
grace consequences.
Consequently, persuant to Sestion 5. 1. 3 of the Nigcna Broadcasting Code, Arise TV is hereby sanctioned and shall pay penalty of 2,000.000.00 (Two million naira only)
Note that the penalty shall be paid within two weeks of the receipt of this letter or sanctions shall be graduated.
Please be advised
Baharabe Shchu llelah
Director General
Good correct action. Well done.