The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) says it will soon introduce new broadcasting standards to address ethical challenges posed by digital platforms and emerging technologies.
NBC Director-General, Dr Charles Ebuebu, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with reporters in Abuja.
Ebuebu noted that the commission had observed declining ethical standards in broadcasting due to the rapid growth of digital platforms and online spaces. He said the commission engaged stakeholders, who agreed on the need to develop new standards to address emerging realities.
According to him, the new standards will be integrated into the Digital Switch Over (DSO) recently launched by the Federal Government.
“We all observed that with digital platforms and online spaces, many broadcasting ethics have been thrown out of the window,” he said.
“In trying to enforce the code, the NBC has often been misunderstood. We held meetings with editors and other stakeholders, and we reached an agreement. This is even more important as elections approach.
“The DSO gives us the opportunity to introduce these new standards after successfully launching the platform.”
Ebuebu urged all stakeholders to comply with the existing broadcast code, warning that persistent violations would attract sanctions.
“The code is still in force, and everyone must comply with it. If you fail to comply, there is a process. You will not be sanctioned immediately. You will receive warning letters, be invited for discussions, and if you remain recalcitrant, other sanctions will follow,” he said.
He added: “The reality is that we are redefining the standards because digital platforms have changed the broadcasting landscape. We must reinforce ethical standards while adapting to technological advancements. NBC will remain fully committed to this process, and new standards will be introduced soon.”
The NBC boss said the commission was reviewing broadcasting standards, services, operational models, and the broadcast code. He said stakeholders had been invited to submit position papers to support the review process.
“We initially gave stakeholders until December, but many continued submitting their position papers up to April,” he said.
“In the past, our stakeholders were mainly radio and television broadcasters. Today, the industry includes IPTV and other digital broadcasting platforms. Technology has transformed broadcasting. Many people now combine radio, television and internet streaming through podcasts and other digital platforms. That is why we are redefining the standards, services, operational models and the broadcast code.”
Ebuebu said the commission would soon convene another stakeholders’ meeting to deliberate on the proposed regulations.
“We will then produce a new broadcast code and forward it to the Minister of Information and National Orientation for approval,” he said.
