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Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has announced that it would fine broadcast stations a sum of N500, 000 for any perceived hate speech expressed by callers during phone-in programs.
The new rule, which will take effect on October 1, 2017, was communicated to media houses on August 10, 2017, during a meeting held at the Commission’s zonal office at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
The commission also limited newspaper reviews to once a day, urging viewers and listeners to contribute such reviews on social media rather than on television and radio programs. The commission also mandated that broadcast stations use screeners to censor calls before they go live on programs adding that programs can only have five call-in shows per day.
The commission also stated that henceforth, the cost of phone calls must be borne by the station and not individuals calling in.
Speaking on the discussion of judicial cases, Mr. Matthew Okoduwa, a Zonal Director, said media houses cannot hold a discussion about ongoing court cases, stating that filed suits can only be discussed at the early stage and at the final stage after judgement has been given.
Some media houses have raised concerns over this new set of rules issued by the NBC. One concern is that the new rules compromise free speech, as it could deny Nigerians the opportunity to voice their opinions on important political and social issues.
Others have lamented that the new rules will impose new expenses on radio and television stations, as they will now have to bear the cost of phone calls and purchase screening machines.
