NBC Warns Nigerian Broadcasters: Presenters Risk Sanctions for Bias, Bullying Guests, and Spreading Opinions as Facts
The NBC has issued a strong warning to Nigerian broadcasters, stating that presenters who express opinions as facts, bully guests, or deny fair hearing will face sanctions. Here’s what it means for media ahead of elections.
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a stern warning to broadcast presenters across Nigeria, stating that on-air personalities who present personal opinions as facts or intimidate guests during programmes will face regulatory sanctions.
Lukulukutv notes that in a statement released on Friday, the commission revealed that it has recorded a growing number of violations of the sixth edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly across news, current affairs, and political programming.
According to the NBC, recent trends show that some broadcast platforms are straying from their core responsibility of delivering accurate, balanced, and professional information to the public.
The commission expressed concern that certain presenters and anchors now undermine journalistic standards by refusing to provide fair hearing to opposing viewpoints and abandoning neutrality during discussions.
NBC emphasized that such actions directly violate the provisions of the broadcasting code, which mandate impartiality and balanced representation on issues of public interest.
It further declared that any presenter found guilty of presenting personal opinions as factual information, bullying or intimidating guests, or suppressing dissenting views will be classified as committing a Class B breach, which carries regulatory consequences.
Additionally, the commission raised alarm over the increasing use of broadcast media by political actors to promote divisive, inflammatory, and unverified claims.
The NBC reiterated that broadcasters retain full editorial responsibility for all content aired on their platforms — including live broadcasts — and cannot shift blame to guests or contributors.
Reaffirming its commitment to enforcing compliance, the commission warned that violations involving hate speech, incitement, and lack of balance will attract strict sanctions.
The NBC also called on media organizations to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, and accuracy, especially as Nigeria approaches a sensitive electoral period.
It stressed that the nation’s airwaves must not be exploited as channels for misinformation or propaganda.
