Cautions NBC over consistent anti-media policies
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), has said contrary to the insinuation by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Nigerian journalists, especially, its members, were not friends to terrorists and bandits and as such, would never be disposed to giving the criminals any exposure.
The professional group however maintained that journalists have a responsibility to help the country cope with the prevailing threat and consequences of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in Nigeria, and would continue to be responsible and responsive in their reports.
NGE stated this on Wednesday while expressing concern over the recent directive by the NBC, warning journalists, television and radio stations in Nigeria against “glamorising and giving too many details on the nefarious activities of terrorists and kidnappers” during their daily newspaper reviews.
Festus Akanbi
The National Broadcasting Commission has barred television and radio stations in Nigeria from divulging “details” of the activities of bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers in their reports.
NBC, in a statement specifically directed radio and television stations not to “glamourise the nefarious activities of insurgents” during their daily newspaper reviews.
Many of the broadcast stations in the country make newspaper headlines review parts of their daily programmes.
However, according to a letter dated July 7, 2021, issued to television and radio stations, the regulator called for “caution” by broadcasters while reporting security challenges in the country.
The letter titled, ‘Newspaper Reviews and Current Affairs Programmes: A Need For Caution’, was signed by the Director, Broadcast Monitoring, Francisca Aiyetan, on behalf of the new Director-General of the Commission, Balarabe Ilelah.