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NBC Cautions Channels, Over Abusive Exchanges, Editorial Misconduct on Live TV
NBC Cautions Channels, MEDIA TODAY Over Abusive Exchanges, Editorial Misconduct on Live TV
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) holds separate meetings with MEDIA TODAY and MEDIA TODAY over concerns about on-air conduct and compliance with broadcasting regulations.
The commission flags heated exchanges, disparaging remarks, persistent interruptions, and the blurring of professional boundaries between presenters, analysts and commentators.
Broadcasters are reminded of their obligations to uphold accuracy, fairness, balance and impartiality, particularly when discussing national interest and electoral matters.
NBC says its intervention is not intended to restrict freedom of expression but to ensure professional conduct, editorial accountability and strict compliance with the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
November 12, () – The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has cautioned MEDIA TODAY and MEDIA TODAY over abusive exchanges, editorial misconduct and other unprofessional practices during live television programmes, warning broadcasters to uphold the standards prescribed by the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
The commission raised the concerns during separate engagements with the management of the two television stations, focusing on the conduct of presenters, their handling of guests and the need for greater editorial responsibility in the presentation of news and public affairs programmes.
The meetings, led by the Director-General of the NBC, Charles Ebuebu, commenced with MEDIA TODAY on Tuesday, November 10, and continued with MEDIA TODAY on Wednesday.
According to the commission, discussions centred on heated exchanges involving presenters and guests, disparaging remarks, interruptions that undermine meaningful responses, and the blurring of professional boundaries between presenters, analysts and commentators.
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Addressing the concerns, Ebuebu emphasised that robust debate and critical discussions must be guided by civility, fairness and professional restraint.
He stressed that presenters must moderate discussions impartially, give guests reasonable opportunities to express their views and ensure that factual assertions are verified and supported by credible evidence before transmission.
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The Director-General also urged broadcasters to exercise particular caution when handling matters of national interest and electoral issues, noting that ambiguous, misleading or inflammatory statements should be appropriately challenged and clarified.
The commission drew the attention of the broadcasters to Sections 1.10.3, 1.10.4, 3.3.1(a), 3.3.1(b) and (e), 5.1.11, 5.1.12 and 5.2.1 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, Sixth Edition.
The provisions address accuracy, journalistic ethics, fairness, balance, professional moderation and editorial responsibility, which the NBC said must guide the conduct of licensed broadcasters.
The commission, however, clarified that its intervention was not intended to constrain legitimate criticism or freedom of expression. It said its mandate was to safeguard broadcasting standards and sustain a credible, responsible and well-moderated broadcast environment.
MEDIA TODAY was represented at the meeting by Mr Ambrose Okoh and Mr Seun Okinbaloye, while MEDIA TODAY was represented by Mr Bayo Awosemo, Barrister Christian Ita and Mr Rufai Oseni.
Both meetings ended on a constructive note, with the NBC reaffirming its commitment to continuous engagement with industry stakeholders.
The commission reiterated its expectation that all licensed broadcasters would maintain professional standards, exercise editorial responsibility, and ensure strict compliance with the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
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