NBC warns TV anchors against bullying guests, compromising neutrality
By Ogaga Ariemu
The Nigerian government has warned television broadcasters and anchors, over breaches of Nigerian broadcasting codes.
The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, issued the warning in a disclosed notice to broadcasters on Friday.
NBC said the warning comes amid an alleged surge in unprofessional broadcast conduct across Nigerian news broadcast platforms.
The regulator told broadcasters, including Arise Television, Channels TV and others, that it would enforce strict and uncompromised compliance with every provision of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly those relating to fairness, balance, accuracy, hate speech, incitement, and respect for constitutional bodies.
NBC warned broadcasters to ensure professionalism in handling politics, communal and war issues.
“The broadcaster shall exhibit professionalism in handling the transmission, especially sensitive issues such as politics, communal conflicts, and wars.
Specifically, it threatened sanctions on anchors or presenters found to have expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, denied a fair hearing to opposing views, or otherwise compromised neutrality, or be disrespectful to human dignity.