HomeAfrica

Nigeria Fines Broadcasters For Airing BBC Documentary Which "Undermines National Security”

1 year agoThu, 04 Aug 2022 18:07:22 GMT
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedIn
Nigeria Fines Broadcasters For Airing BBC Documentary Which "Undermines National Security”

Nigeria’s broadcast regulator has fined four broadcasters, including Multichoice Nigeria Ltd, 5m naira ($12 000; £9,800) each for airing a BBC documentary on the activities of bandit gangs in north-western Nigeria.

The National Broadcasting Commission said the documentary “glorified the activities of bandits and undermines national security” and contravened the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

Earlier on, the BBC said “the story is overwhelmingly in the public interest” and that “it stands by its journalism”.

The other broadcasters fined include TelCom Satellite Limited (TSTV), NTA-Startimes Limited and Trust Television Network (Trust TV).

All outlets have until the 30th of August to pay the fine. NBC said in a statement:

Latest Tecno Pop 8 - now available in Pindula.

$94, Cash on Delivery in Harare & Bulawayo.

WhatsApp: 0783 450 793

The Commission wishes to seize this opportunity to advise broadcasters to be circumspect and deliberate in the choice and carriage of contents deleterious to Nigeria’s national security.

The Daily Trust quoted its management as saying:

We wish to state unequivocally that as a television station, we believe we were acting in the public interest by shedding light on the thorny issue of banditry.

Reuters reports that armed criminals, known locally as bandits, have kidnapped thousands of Nigerians over the past two years.

Nigeria has a presidential election in February in which deteriorating security nationwide could play a prominent role.

Pindula News

Tags

0 Comments

Leave a Comment


Generate a Whatsapp Message

Buy Phones on Credit.

More Deals
Feedback