NBC WARNS PRESENTERS AGAINST BIAS, BULLYING, AND BREACH OF BROADCAST CODE
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By: Muftau Fatimo
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has expressed concern over what it described as a growing decline in professionalism among broadcast anchors and presenters, warning that breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code will attract sanctions as the 2027 general elections draw nearer.
In a statement issued on Friday via its official Facebook page by the Office of the Director-General, Public Affairs Department and signed by management, the commission said it has observed a “disturbing departure from the core principles of broadcast journalism,” with presenters increasingly violating ethical standards of fairness, balance, and neutrality.
The NBC noted that the trend includes the presentation of personal opinions as factual reporting, failure to provide equal opportunity to opposing perspectives, and the airing of inflammatory or divisive content, all of which it said contravene provisions of the broadcasting code on accuracy, professionalism, and responsible journalism.
It further warned that any presenter found guilty of “expressing personal opinion as fact, bullying or intimidating guests, or denying fair hearing to opposing views” would be regarded as committing a Class B breach. The commission also emphasized that editorial responsibility remains with broadcasters and cannot be shifted to guests, even in live programme settings.
The NBC said the concerns form part of a broader pattern of “sustained increase in breaches” across news, current affairs and political programmes, noting that broadcast platforms are increasingly being used in ways that depart from their obligation to inform the public with accuracy and professionalism.
It also highlighted the misuse of broadcast platforms by political actors to air content capable of inciting disorder, spreading hate speech and undermining national unity.
The commission emphasised that it would enforce “strict and uncompromised compliance” with all provisions of the code, warning that “inflammatory, divisive, or unsubstantiated broadcasts will attract regulatory sanctions,” and stressing that compliance is “mandatory, not discretionary.”
As the country moves toward a critical electoral period, the NBC urged broadcasters to ensure responsible discourse, noting that the airwaves must not “amplify tension or propagate misinformation” but remain platforms for credible information and national cohesion.
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