Channels Television has recently received a fine of N5 million from the National Broadcasting Commission for breaking the broadcasting law in a programme while interviewing the Labour Party Vice Presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed.
This is contained in a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Channels TV dated March 27. News Agency of Nigeria obtained the letter on March 31st in Abuja, the letter, is titled: “Broadcast of an Inciting Interview, A Sanction” and was signed by Balarabe Ilelah, the commission’s Director-General.
The letter partly read “The NBC monitored the broadcast of a live interview of the running mate of the Labour Party Vice presidential candidate, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, by the anchor of Politics Today, Seun Okibaloye, on Wednesday, March 22. Dr Baba-Ahmed said it will be unconstitutional to swear in an elected president on May 29, 2023, because of election irregularities.”
The Director-General noted that the broadcast was volatile and capable of inciting public disorder, violating some sections of the broadcasting code. “Consequently, on the following infractions, Channels Television is hereby sanctioned and shall pay a penalty of N5,000,000 (five million naira) only in the first instance,” He also added that if any further infraction is committed by the station it would attract higher sanctions.“You are advised to pay within two weeks from the day of receipt of this letter or the penalty will be graduated,” Balarabe Ilelah said.
Credit | NAN
