The Nigerian government has cautioned television broadcasters and news anchors over what it describes as increasing breaches of professional standards in the country’s broadcast industry.
The warning was issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in a notice released on Friday, following concerns about a growing trend of unprofessional conduct across news platforms.
According to the regulator, several broadcasters have failed to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, particularly in areas such as fairness, balance, accuracy, and responsible reporting. The commission also raised concerns about content that could promote hate speech, incitement, or disrespect for constitutional institutions.
The NBC specifically addressed major television stations, including Arise Television and Channels Television, urging them to ensure full compliance with established guidelines.
In its directive, the commission stressed the importance of professionalism, especially when covering sensitive topics such as politics, communal conflicts, and war-related issues.
“The broadcaster shall exhibit professionalism in handling the transmission, especially sensitive issues such as politics, communal conflicts, and wars.”
Beyond general compliance, the NBC warned that it would not hesitate to impose sanctions on broadcasters or presenters found to be in violation of the code.
This includes instances where anchors present personal opinions as facts, intimidate or bully guests, deny fair hearing to opposing viewpoints, or act in ways that compromise neutrality and respect for human dignity.
The warning underscores the regulator’s intention to tighten oversight within the media space, as it seeks to promote responsible journalism and maintain public trust in broadcast media.
