NBC suspension of radio, TV stations’ shutdown order a vindication, wise decision
Media Justice Nigeria (MJN) is excited that after the hues and cries by it and other stakeholders in the media ecosystem, the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) saw reason not to continue in its punitive action of shutting down 53 indebted radio and TV stations across the country, including popular ones like Raypower 100FM, AIT, Silverbird TV and Rhythm FM and others.
Media Justice Nigeria had argued that the NBC’s decision was neither in the best interest of the broadcast industry nor that of Nigeria and her democracy, particularly coming close to an election period. We also argued that the information blackout the shutdown order would generate was counterproductive in a season of high insecurity as Nigeria is currently experiencing. MJN also stated that the dire economic situation that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has plunged the country has direct effect on the inability of these stations to meet up their financial obligations to the NBC, and that allowing them to harvest advertorials that would certainly acrue from the coming election campaigns was a possible window the NBC should explore and not total shutdown that suggest political undertone.
MJN therefore commends the NBC and diverse stakeholders like the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and other well meaning Nigerians that prevailed on the NBC and its Director General, Malam Balarabe Ilelah, to do what is right. However, what MJN finds curious is why the NBC singled out DAAR Communications Ltd (operator of Raypower 100Fm and AIT) and Silverbird TV/Rhythm FM for commendation in Ilelah’s statement suspending the shutdown order that says: “We specifically thank DAAR Communications Ltd and Silverbird TV/Rhythm FM for their responses.”
It is on record that these two electronics media organisations are owned by opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, a party opposed to the ruling All Progressives Party (APC), Malam Ilelah’s employer. While MJN will not push the seeming political motive inherent in Malam Ilelah’s subtle admission any further, MJN wishes to urge the NBC and other media regulators to provide a level-playing field for all media players across board, whether those sympathetic to the APC or those sympathetic to the opposition parties, and not engage in what might hint of a witch-hunt as political campaign season opens next month.
It bears emphasizing again that media is a necessary handmaiden of a virile democracy. Any action that smacks of inhibiting the constitutional powers of the media to discharge its duties to the electorate effectively and efficiently is a clear negation of democratic ideals and the rights of not only the media but the entire citizenry that the media serves, as the citizens deserve the right to be informed at all times. MJN expects and urges the NBC and other regulators in the media ecosystem to exercise restraint in the discharge of their statutory duties to the media industry and its practitioners. That is the minimum condition that will enable MJN to provide regulators needed encouragement and support in carrying out their functions.
About Media Justice Nigeria
Media Justice Nigeria is a pro-media NGO with the clear mandate of protecting the rights of journalists, media practitioners and media establishments in Nigeria. This includes those in print, electronics and social media. It offers protection for the right of media practitioners (journalists) to freely practise their trade without molestation, violation or undue interference from whatever source, whether governmental or individuals. It provides access to justice for media practitioners whose rights are being violated. It is also the mandate of Media Justice Nigeria to educate the public on the important roles the media play and how the work of journalists helps to shape the democratic process and principles and good governance in Nigeria and across the world.
Signed:
Director
Anote Ajeluorou
