The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) issued a final warning to Arise TV, owned by Nduka Obaigbena, citing concerns about “derogatory and incendiary remarks” made on their programs.
In a letter dated October 6, 2023, Balarabe Ilelah, the director-general of the NBC, urged the broadcaster to implement a delay mechanism to prevent the dissemination of undesirable content. This communication was directed to the chief executive officer of Arise Global Media Limited.
This warning comes after a previous incident in which Arise TV was fined N2 million by the NBC for violating Nigeria’s broadcasting codes, approximately eight months ago.
The letter reads partly, “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.
“The commission listed the station’s morning show programme on October 5 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 NBC also accused Arise TV of defaulting on its responsibility while airing its Newsday programme which featured the spokesperson of the Labour Party, Kenneth Okonkwo, who, it said, 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.”
