NBC Sanctions 25 Broadcast Stations Over 2023 Election Coverage
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has penalized 25 broadcast stations for failing to comply with broadcast laws on coverage of the 2023 general elections. The Director-General of NBC, Balarabe Ilelah, revealed this during a press conference in Abuja ahead of the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections scheduled for March 18. Sixteen other broadcast stations have been issued a final warning for various offenses.
Ilelah stated that the NBC discovered 25 stations who failed to follow broadcasting guidelines during the 2023 presidential election, and 16 stations received final warnings. He also mentioned that one station was sanctioned for announcing election results before the authorized officials released them, which violated Section 5.33 of the NBC code.
Additionally, 17 stations were punished for broadcasting partisan content beyond the allowed 24-hour stoppage time, while four stations received sanctions for making divisive comments. Ilelah criticized some broadcast stations for allowing guests, callers, and analysts to make inflammatory remarks and engage in ethnic and religious profiling that could undermine national unity.
He reminded broadcasters of their duty to protect the nation’s unity, celebrate diversity, and promote sustainable democracy in Nigeria. The NBC, which regulates broadcasting in Nigeria, will continue to monitor and regulate broadcasters' activities to ensure compliance with the law, Ilelah said.
With the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections approaching, Ilelah urged all broadcasters to adhere to the broadcasting laws and guidelines to prevent further sanctions.
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