National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has cautioned broadcast presenters against bullying guests during live interviews or presenting personal opinions as facts, warning that such actions will attract sanctions.
NBC
In a statement issued on Friday, the commission said it had observed a rise in violations of the sixth edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across news, current affairs and political programmes.
“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.
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The commission noted that some anchors and presenters were deviating from professional standards by denying fair hearing to opposing views and compromising neutrality during broadcasts.
It stressed that such conduct violates provisions of the broadcasting code, which require impartiality and fair representation of all sides on issues of public interest.
“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,” the statement added.
The NBC also raised concerns over the growing use of broadcast platforms by political actors to promote divisive, inflammatory and unverified content.
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It emphasised that broadcasters bear full editorial responsibility for all material aired, including live programmes, and cannot transfer that responsibility to guests.
The commission reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict compliance with the broadcasting code, warning that violations involving hate speech, incitement and imbalance would attract appropriate sanctions.
