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NBC fines Arise TV, Channels, AIT for “unprofessional coverage” of #EndSARS protests
By Modupe Shodeinde
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has fined Channels Television, Africa Independent Television and Arise Television for contravening guidelines on coverage of #EndSARS protests.
Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, acting Director-General of the NBC, made the announcement while addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday.
The NBC had earlier issued a warning to radio and television stations to avoid unprofessional coverage of the #EndSARS protests that could embarrass government or private citizens or cause rancour and panic among members of society.
Reacting to the announcement, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) criticized the NBC decision to fine the television stations for their reporting of the #EndSARS protests.
Describing the fines as “unconstitutional”, SERAP said it would sue the NBC if it failed to rescind the fines.
It made its position known in a statement released by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, titled ‘SERAP asks NBC to withdraw ‘illegal fines on Channels TV, AIT, Arise TV or face legal action’.
The statement reads partly: “This action by NBC is yet another example of Nigerian authorities’ push to silence independent media and voices. NBC should drop the fines and uphold Nigerian constitution and international obligations to respect and protect freedom of expression and media freedom. We will sue NBC if the unconstitutional fines are not rescinded within 48 hours.”
