NBC fines Channels TV N5m over Datti interview

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) had slammed a N5million fine on Channels Television over it’s interview of Vice Presidential Candidate of Labour Party suring the last elections, Datti Baba-Ahmed.

In a letter by its Director General, Balarabe Ilelah, the Commission accused the TV station of allowing inciting comments to go on its station in contravention of the NBC act.

The letter reads: “The National Broadcasting Commission monitored the broadcast of a Live Interview of the Running Mate of the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed by the Anchor of Politics Today, Seun Okibaloye on Wednesday 22nd March 2023. Dr. Baba-Ahmed said that it will be unconstitutional to swear in an elected President on the 29th of May 2023 because of election irregularities.

“The broadcast was volatile and capable of inciting to Public disorder and therefore a violation of the following Sections of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code;

“No broadcast shall encourage or incite to crime, lead to public disorder or hate, be repugnant to public feelings, or contain offensive reference to any person or organization, alive or dead or generally be disrespectful to human dignity.

“The broadcaster shall ensure that no programme contains anything which amounts to subversion of constituted authority….

“The Broadcaster shall have a delay mechanism to guard against possible undesirable Content.

“Please recall that the Commission has engaged with you severally to put public Interest in view before any programme is broadcast. This is to ensure that the Country is not plunged into anarchy.

“Consequent on the above infractions, Channels TV is hereby sanctioned and shall pay a penalty of N5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) only in the first instance. Please, Note that any further infraction will attract higher sanction.

“You are advised to pay within two weeks from the day of receipt of this letter or the penalty graduated.”