The Commission has monitored in recent time the transmission
of Free-To-Air satellite signals with unwholesome content into the Country.
Some of these channels seek to threaten our Core values and deliberately seek
to undermine our unity and peace, as a country.
It has, therefore, become expedient to remind all
broadcasters or operators and users of satellite broadcasting in Nigeria of the
provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and the Act which are the grand
laws for broadcasting in Nigeria.
Section (2) of the National Broadcasting Commission Act CAP
N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, states, “No person shall
operate or use any apparatus or premises for the transmission of sound or
vision by cable, television, radio, satellite or any other medium of broadcast
from anywhere in Nigeria except under and in accordance with the provisions of
this act.”
In view of this, all broadcasters transmitting Free-To-Air
satellite services MUSTencrypt all broadcasting signals on their platform.
We also wish to request all Pay TV channels to observe the
rules on Decency of broadcast Content. Many Pay TV channels, especially, carry
very vulgar, indecent and obscene contents. Broadcasters must take cognizance
of the Code provisions on Watershed.
The Commission warns that unclassified, vulgar and obscene
musical videos will not be tolerated, henceforth.
The Commission wishes to state that, “The Broadcaster
has an obligation to ensure that musical works are suitable for broadcasting
before putting them on air.”
Finally, the Commission appreciates the efforts of
Broadcasting Stations for the in-depth coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic, so
far, and urges all Broadcasters to continue to provide efficient, professional
and comprehensive service to the people based on National objectives and
aspirations.
Signed:
MANAGEMENT