NBC Plans to Review Broadcasting Code and License Fees

NBC Plans to Review Broadcasting Code and License Fees: Concerns Raised Over Broadcasters’ Livelihood

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has announced its intention to convene a meeting with stakeholders in the broadcasting industry to discuss and review the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The NBC further revealed its consideration of increasing the license fees for television and radio stations. The Director-General of NBC, Malam Balareba Shehu Ilelah, made this announcement during a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday.

The purpose of the gathering is to gather inputs from all relevant parties within the industry before making any amendments to the broadcasting code. The NBC, acting as the regulator, aims to ensure that broadcast media outlets fulfill their designated roles as mandated by law.

While the press conference focused on the announcement of the upcoming African Broadcast Exhibition (Africast) scheduled for October 24 to 26 in Lagos, Director-General Ilelah emphasized the importance of the code review in optimizing the broadcasting landscape.

However, during the same event, the Executive Secretary of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, offered a word of caution. Bamgbose urged the NBC to reconsider the timing of any potential hike in license fees. Acknowledging the challenging circumstances faced by the broadcast industry in the country, Bamgbose expressed concern that increased fees at this moment might place additional strain on struggling stations.

According to the current Nigeria Broadcast Code issued in 2016 and amended in 2020, this regulatory framework sets out the rules and regulations that govern the broadcasting industry and its practitioners throughout the country. As the NBC moves forward with the review process, the fate of broadcasting stations and their financial viability hangs in the balance.

The NBC’s commitment to ensuring that broadcast media fulfills its role in accordance with the law remains at the forefront of its mission. As stakeholders convene to discuss the code’s potential revisions and license fee adjustments, the broadcast industry eagerly awaits the outcome and the impact it may have on its future sustainability.

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