NBC fines 23 radio stations for ‘violating’ broadcast code

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has sanctioned 23 broadcasting stations which allegedly breached its code.

In a statement on Wednesday, Maimuna Jimada, head, public affairs of the NBC, said the affected stations were fined a total of N2.849 million.

Jimada said the contraventions included breaches of the rules on hate speech, vulgar lyrics and unverifiable claims.

She said all the erring stations had been fined according to the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

“The commission wishes to remind broadcasters that they have a duty to promote the socio-economic well-being of the Nigerian state and abide strictly by the provisions of the Nigeria broadcasting code or face sanctions,” the statement read.

For the “use of hateful speech” Family Love FM, Uyo, was fined N200,000, ABS FM, Enugu was N100,000, Express FM Radio, Kano, was N100,000.

She added that the Kano station was also fined twice later for similar infractions.

“On the use Of indecent musicals, Royal FM, Abuja was fined N100,000, FLO FM, Enugu was fined N100,000, Radio Continental, Lagos was fined N200,000, and Crystal 100.5 FM, Abuja was fined N100,000.

“For Unverifiable Claims, a fine of N100,000 was given to Crowther FM, Abuja, Harmony FM, Abuja was fined N100,000, Inspiration FM, Uyo was fined N100,000, BCA FM, Enugu was fined N150,000, ABS, Enugu was fined N100,000, Minaj Systems Radio, Enugu fined N100,000 and IBC (Orient TV) Enugu was fined N50,000.

“Others fined are Rainbow FM, Ibadan fined N100,000, Globe FM, Jos fined N100,000, Arewa Radio, Kaduna fined N100,000, EBS Radio, Benin fined N100,000 and Bond FM, Lagos fined N499,000.

“ITV, Jos was fined N100,000, while IBC (Orient TV), Enugu was fined N50,000 for ”voicing and unprofessional broadcast.”