The Federal Government, through the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is coming after African Independent Television (AIT) and RayPower FM over some reports it considered unfavourable.
The NBC accused the media firm of airing “offensive, unfair and unprofessional” content in violation of its rules.
The allegations are contained in three letters from Armstrong Idachaba, the commission’s director of broadcast monitoring.
“The continued use of your licence (given in trust to you on behalf of the entire Nigerian people), to embark on attacks and vilification of the regulator shall attract appropriate sanctions going forward,” he wrote.
In one of the letters, which were seen by The Cable, Idachaba alleged that the stations had the motive of inciting the public against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the government.
“Monitoring reports on AIT and Ray Power FM indicate that a news commentary replete with unfair allegations against the judiciary was aired from Monday, 20th May, 2019,” the letter read.
“This commentary was aired on the two stations during the week. The broadcast is a contravention of the provisions of the Code and extant laws regarding discussion of cases pending in the law courts which could be termed as contempt of court.
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“Furthermore, the language used was -offensive and unfair on the judiciary. The broadcast is viewed as offensive, unfair and unprofessional, as provisions of Section 1.15.1 of The Nigerian Broadcasting Code was violated.”
In another letter, the NBC singled out a documentary, “Nigeria Judiciary on Trial: Lessons from Kenya”.
It said INEC was unfairly accused of refusing to make its server public because it doctored the result of the elections.
NBC gave the stations until May 31 to respond to its queries or risk disciplinary actions.
The regulator also queried the stations for using content generated on social media on Kakaaki, a breakfast programme on AIT.
“Your station is by this letter advised to be cautious when discussing issues relating to matters pending in the Court of law and refrain from use of language inimical to the broadcast profession,” it said.