BREAKING: NBC Orders Broadcast Stations Not to Report ‘Details’ of Boko Haram, Bandits Attacks

INFOMEDIA – The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has directed television and radio stations in Nigeria not to include “details” of victims of Boko Haram terrorists and bandits in their reporting.

NBC cautioned broadcast outfits not to glamourise the activities of the terrorists in the course of their daily reporting.

In a letter titled, ‘Newspaper Reviews And Current Affairs Programmes: A Need For Caution’, the regulatory body enjoined “broadcasters to collaborate with the government in dealing with the security challenges”.

“Headlines of most Newspapers on a daily basis are replete with security topics,” a part of the letter read.

“While bringing information on security to the doorsteps of Nigerians is a necessity, there is a need for caution as too many details may have an adverse implication on the efforts of our security officials who are duty-bound to deal with the insurgency.

“The Commission, therefore, enjoins broadcasters to collaborate with the government in dealing with the security challenges by;

“Advising guests and/or analysts on programmes not to polarise the citizenry with divisive rhetoric, in driving home their point.

“Not giving details of either the security issues or victims of these security challenges so as not to jeopardise the efforts of the Nigerian soldiers and other security agents.”

The Commission also reminded the broadcast stations to be guided by provisions of Sections 5.4.1(f) and 5.4.3 of the NBC Code which states thus:

“The broadcaster shall not transmit divisive materials that may threaten or compromise the divisibility and indissolubility of Nigeria as a sovereign state.

“In reporting conflict situations, the broadcaster shall perform the role of a peace agent by adhering to the principle of responsibility, accuracy and neutrality.”

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