NBC issues “final warning” to Arise TV over alleged derogatory remarks

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a stern final warning to Arise Television for the use of derogatory and incendiary language on its station.

The Commission’s Director General, Dr. Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, issued this warning in a letter dated October 6, 2023.

In the letter, a request was made to the TV station, urging them to adopt a delay mechanism in order to protect against inappropriate content.

The letter, which was addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, of Arise Global Media Limited also urged the TV station to keep to its responsibility of keeping its guests in check.

The warning was issued by the Commission eight months after they fined Arise TV N2m for breaching Nigeria’s broadcasting codes.

The letter was titled “Preponderance of derogatory and incendiary remarks: final warning.”

The letter reads, “The NBC has observed with concern preponderance of incendiary remarks allowed on Arise news. This letter seeks to underscore the tremendous responsibility put on the broadcaster to manage the array of guests that may feature on the station from time to time.

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“The commission listed the station’s morning show programme on 5th October anchored by Reuben Abati, Rufai Oseni and Ayo Maio-Ese, which featured Oladokun Hassan and Dele Farotimi as guests. The programme contained unguarded incendiary remarks by Dele Farotimi against the Legislature and the Executive, the Judiciary and Mr. President.

“The station was also accused of not keeping to its responsibility while airing its programme “Newsday” which featured Kenneth Okonkwo, (Spokesperson of Labour Party) who used derogatory remarks on air.

“The commission therefore drew the attention of the broadcast station to broadcast rule and code 1.10.3, 3.3.1(a), 3.3.3(c), 3.3.1 (e), 5.3.3(b) and 5.5.6.

“Arise TV is advised to install a delay mechanism to guard against undesirable contents as prescribed in section 5.5.6 of the broadcasting code.”

On February 3, 2023, Arise TV received a N2 million fine from NBC due to what the regulatory body termed as “unprofessional broadcasts.”