IPOB interview: NBC slams N5m Fine on Channels TV, Inspiration FM
The National Broadcasting Commission Thursday slammed a fine of N5million each on the duo of Channels TV and Inspiration FM.
The acting Director-General of the commission, Armstrong Idachaba, made this known in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja.
He explained that the broadcast stations were fined for infringing on the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
In arriving at the fine, he stressed that the commission reviewed the appeals and apologies from both stations and decided to suspend the idea of suspension of licence.
Recall that on April 26, 2021 sent a letter to Channels TV stating the station’a infractions of the code in respect to its broadcast of “Politics Today” April 25.
He said the station violated Sections 3.11.1(b) and 5.4.3 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
He said “Section 3.11.1(b), the Broadcaster shall ensure that no programme contains anything which amounts to subversion of constituted authority or compromises the unity or corporate existence of Nigeria as a sovereign state.
“Section 5.4.3, in reporting conflict situations, the broadcaster shall perform the role of a peace agent by adhering to the principle of responsibility, accuracy and neutrality.”
Idachaba said the violations of the identified sections, being a ‘Class A’ offence, attracts the following:
“Immediate order of suspension of broadcast services; suspension of licence and immediate shut down and seal up of transmitter, revocation of licence, seizure and forfeiture or transmitting equipment
“(In) 15.5.1: the following penalties shall apply in respect of a breach committed by the broadcaster: light, N200,000 to N500,000; heavy, N500,000 to N4,999,000; severe, N5,000,000.”
He added, “Following the announcements of liability to the sanctions stated in 15.1.1 and 15.1.2 both stations have accepted culpability for the infractions and earlier offered unreserved apologies for the breaches.
“The NBC has reviewed the appeals and apologies from both stations, and has decided to set aside the option of suspension of licence.
“The Commission has, however, directed both stations to pay N5 million penalty each to serve as deterrent.”
