The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a final warning to Arise Television regarding the use of derogatory and incendiary remarks on its station.
The warning came in the form of a letter from the Commission’s Director-General, Dr. Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, dated October 6, 2023.
The letter, addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of Arise Global Media Limited, urged the TV station to implement a delay mechanism to prevent undesirable content from being aired. It also emphasized the responsibility of the broadcaster to manage the behavior of its guests.
The letter, titled “Preponderance of Derogatory and Incendiary Remarks: Final Warning,” expressed concern over the prevalence of incendiary remarks allowed on Arise News.
“The NBC has observed with concern preponderance of incendiary remarks allowed on Arise news,“ the letter reads partly.
“This letter seeks to underscore the tremendous responsibility put on the broadcaster to manage the array of guest that may feature on the station from time to time.
“The commission listed the station’s morning show programme on 5th October anchored by Reuben Abati, Rufai Oseni and Ayo Maio-Ese, which featured Oladokun Hassan and Dele Farotimi as guests. The programme contained unguarded incendiary remarks by Dele Farotimi against the Legislature and the Executive, the Judiciary and Mr. President.
“The station was also accused of not keeping to its responsibility while airing its programme ”Newsday” which featured Kenneth Okonkwo, (Spokesperson of Labour Party) who used derogatory remarks on air.
“The commission therefore drew the attention of the broadcast station to broadcast rule and code 1.10.3, 3.3.1(a), 3.3.3(c), 3.3.1 (e), 5.3.3(b) and 5.5.6.
“Arise TV is advised to install a delay mechanism to guard against undesirable contents as prescribe in section 5.5.6 of the broadcasting code.”
