The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a strong warning to television broadcasters and news anchors across the country over alleged violations of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code.
In a notice released on Friday, the regulatory body expressed concern about what it described as a growing trend of unprofessional conduct on Nigerian broadcast platforms. The warning was directed at several media organisations, including Arise Television and Channels Television, among others.
According to the NBC, broadcasters must adhere strictly to established guidelines, particularly in areas concerning fairness, balance, accuracy, and responsible reporting. The commission also emphasised the need to avoid hate speech, incitement, and disrespect towards constitutional institutions.
The regulator stressed that media professionals have a duty to maintain high standards, especially when covering sensitive topics such as politics, communal conflicts, and war-related issues.
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“The broadcaster shall exhibit professionalism in handling the transmission, especially sensitive issues such as politics, communal conflicts, and wars,” the statement read.
NBC further warned that it would not hesitate to impose sanctions on stations or individuals found to be in breach of the code. It specifically highlighted concerns about presenters expressing personal opinions as facts, intimidating guests during interviews, and denying opposing viewpoints a fair hearing.
The commission also cautioned against any form of conduct that undermines neutrality or disrespects human dignity, noting that such practices erode public trust in the media.
This latest directive signals the NBC’s intention to tighten oversight within the broadcasting sector, as it seeks to reinforce ethical standards and accountability among Nigerian media practitioners.
Broadcasters have now been put on notice to review their editorial practices and ensure full compliance with the code, or risk facing regulatory action.
