OPERATE WITHIN AMBIT OF LAW — NBC DG WARNS STATION

REPORTER: UZOMA NWANKWO

Broadcast stations across the country have been advised to adhere strictly to the Nigeria Broadcasting Code in their operations to avoid sanctions.

The Director-General National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mallam Balarabe Shehu, gave the advise in an interactive session with heads of broadcast stations in Abia State as part of activities to mark the 10th Edition of the Media Training Institute organized by Vision Africa.

The NBC Director General noted that with strict adherence to the Broadcasting Code, it would avail broadcast stations the opportunity to operate within the ambit of the existing laws.

He pointed out that the session would also help both parties to brainstorm on issues affecting their operations.

Mallam Shehu warned broadcast stations against fake news and hate speeches and urged them to work for the common peace and security of the country through contents and quality information disemination.

He reminded the broadcast stations the need to always renew their operating licences with the commission to ensure smooth operations and further advised them to ensure that their staff acquired relevant training from the Broadcasting Institute for effective service delivery.

Also, the Director Broadcast Monitoring of the Commission, Mrs. Francisca Aiyeten, made case for the broadcast stations to transmit within the area of coverage and avoid using materials not suitable and healthy for broadcast.

For his part, the Director, Broadcast Policy and Research, Mr. Mathew Achara, called on broadcast stations to build quality contents through researche while engaging in periodic training and retraining of their staff.

Contributing, an Assistant Director Programmes and head of Programmes Unit, Pacesetter FM, Umuahia, Mr. Chukwuneke Agbarakwe, called on the National Broadcasting Commission to arrange for in-house training and retraining for staff of broadcast stations on the provisions of the Broadcasting Code to reduce the rate of defaults.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU