NBC bans radio, TV stations from revealing details of terrorist attacks

By Muhammed Yakubu On Jul 16, 2021

NBC , broadcasters, national unity, elections, — File photo: NBC logo

The National Broadcasting Commission has barred broadcasting stations from including details of Boko Haram, bandits, and other terrorist attacks in their reports.

The commission, in a letter dated July 7, 2021, issued to television and radio stations, stressed the need for “caution” by broadcasters while reporting security challenges in the country.

The letter titled, ‘Newspaper Reviews And Current Affairs Programmes: A Need For Caution’, was signed by the Director, Broadcast Monitoring, Francisca Aiyetan, on behalf of the new Director-General of the Commission, Balarabe Ilelah.

NBC noted that while Nigerians have the right to know about security issues, it would be detrimental to the Nigerian state for radio and TV stations to divulge every detail at their disposal.

The commission said broadcasters are expected to collaborate with the government in dealing with the security challenges.

NBC said, “While bringing information on security to the doorsteps of Nigerians is a necessity, there is a need for caution as too many details may have an adverse implication on the efforts of our security officials who are duty-bound to deal with the insurgency.

“The Commission, therefore, enjoins broadcasters to collaborate with the government in dealing with the security challenges by not glamourizing the nefarious activities of insurgents, terrorists, kidnappers, bandits etc’”

It also cautioned broadcast stations to advise their guests and/or analysts on programs not to polarise the citizenry with divisive rhetoric, in driving home their point.

The broadcast stations are also urged also not to “give details of either the security issues or victims of these security challenges so as not to jeopardize the efforts of the Nigerian soldiers and other security agents.”

The Commission cited Sections 5.4.1(f) and 5.4.3 of the NBC Code which is binding on broadcast stations.

The Section provides that “The broadcaster shall not transmit divisive materials that may threaten or compromise the divisibility and indissolubility of Nigeria as a sovereign state.

“In reporting conflict situations, the broadcaster shall perform the role of a peace agent by adhering to the principle of responsibility, accuracy, and neutrality.”