The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued Arise Television a final warning for broadcasting insulting and provocative remarks.
The Commission’s Director General, Dr Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, issued the warning in a letter on October 6, 2023.
The Nation got the letter, which encouraged the television network to adopt a delay mechanism to defend against unsuitable programming.
The letter, issued to Arise Global Media Limited’s Chief Executive Officer, also encouraged the TV station to uphold its obligation of keeping its guests under check.
The letter titled:
“Preponderance of derogatory and incendiary remarks: final warning” reads in part: “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 guest that may feature on the station from time to time.
“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 prescribe in section 5.5.6 of the broadcasting code.”