The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a stern warning to broadcasters over what it described as a growing trend of unethical conduct among presenters and programme anchors, cautioning that violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code will attract sanctions as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released on Friday by its Public Affairs Department, the commission said it had observed a decline in professional standards across the industry, particularly in news, current affairs and political programming. It noted that some presenters were increasingly breaching principles of fairness, balance and neutrality expected in broadcast journalism.

According to the commission, instances have been recorded where anchors express personal opinions as established facts, fail to provide equitable representation for opposing viewpoints, and permit the airing of inflammatory or divisive content during programmes.

The NBC stated that such actions would no longer be tolerated, declaring that any presenter or anchor found culpable would be deemed to have committed a Class B breach under the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

“Henceforth, any anchor or presenter found to have expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, denied fair hearing to opposing views, or otherwise compromised neutrality, shall be deemed to have committed a Class B breach,” the statement read.

The commission further emphasised that editorial responsibility rests entirely with broadcast organisations and cannot be transferred to guests, even during live broadcasts. It stressed that broadcasters remain accountable for all content aired on their platforms.

The warning, the NBC said, follows a sustained increase in breaches of the code, raising concerns that broadcast platforms are being used in ways that undermine professionalism and the dissemination of accurate information to the public.

It also expressed concern over the misuse of broadcast media by political actors to promote content capable of inciting public disorder, spreading hate speech, and threatening national unity.

Reaffirming its regulatory stance, the commission said it would enforce strict compliance with all provisions of the broadcasting code, adding that any broadcast deemed inflammatory, divisive or unsubstantiated would attract appropriate sanctions.

As preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, the NBC urged broadcasters to uphold ethical standards, promote responsible public discourse, and ensure that the airwaves serve as channels for credible information and national cohesion. (the Guardian)

Update news