Presenters Who Express Opinions As Fact, Bully Guests Risk Sanctions, Says NBC -

 by Janefrances Chibundu

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) says broadcast presenters who express personal opinions as facts or bully guests on air will face sanctions.

In a statement on Friday, the commission said it has observed a rise in violations of the sixth edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across news, current affairs and political programmes.

“The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has identified a sustained increase in breaches of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across News, Current Affairs, and Political Programmes,” the statement reads.

“Broadcast platforms are increasingly being deployed in ways that depart from their core obligation to inform the public with accuracy, balance, and professionalism.”

The NBC said some anchors and presenters now deviate from professional standards by denying fair hearing to opposing views and compromising neutrality during broadcasts.

The commission warned that such conduct contravenes provisions of the code, which require presenters to remain impartial and ensure all sides to issues of public interest are fairly represented.

“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,” NBC said.

The NBC also raised concerns over the increasing use of broadcast platforms by political actors to air divisive, inflammatory and unsubstantiated content.

It reiterated that broadcasters bear full editorial responsibility for all content aired, including during live programmes, adding that such responsibility cannot be transferred to guests.

The NBC said it will enforce strict compliance with the broadcasting code, warning that breaches relating to hate speech, incitement and lack of balance will attract sanctions.

The commission urged broadcasters to uphold professionalism, fairness and accuracy, adding that as Nigeria enters a critical electoral period, the airwaves must not be used to propagate misinformation.