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The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has announced its plans to hold discussions with stakeholders in the broadcasting industry for a comprehensive review of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. Alongside this review, the commission is contemplating an upward adjustment in the licence fees for television and radio stations.
Malam Balareba Shehu Ilelah, the Director General of NBC, made this disclosure during a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday. Although the primary purpose of the press conference was to announce the hosting of this year’s African broadcast exhibition (Africast) scheduled for October 24 to 26 in Lagos, Ilelah took the opportunity to discuss the upcoming review of the broadcasting code.
“We will seek contributions from all stakeholders in the industry to review the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. We are also considering an upward review of the broadcast licence for TV and radio stations,” said the NBC DG.
The review of the broadcasting code aims to ensure that the broadcast media fulfills its regulatory requirements in accordance with the law. However, Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, the Executive Secretary of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), advised the NBC against increasing broadcast licence fees at this time.
Bamgbose emphasized that the broadcast industry in the country is already facing significant challenges and increasing licence fees or any other fees might place additional burden on many stations. Instead, he urged the NBC to consider providing support to broadcasters during this difficult period.
The current Nigeria Broadcast Code, which was issued in 2016 and amended in 2020, contains rules and regulations governing the broadcasting industry and its practitioners in the country. The proposed review aims to adapt the code to the changing landscape of the broadcasting sector and address the industry’s current needs and challenges.
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