The NBC spokesperson,
Maimuna Jimada, said in a statement that the stations were punished for hateful
speech, vulgar lyrics and unverifiable claims.
The breaches contravened
the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code in the third quarter of 2017,
according to the NBC.
Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES, Wednesday, the spokesperson said there will be
higher sanctions if erring stations fail to comply with the fine.
"It is clearly
stated in the code, if you are sanctioned this way and you don't comply then
you get a higher sanction", Ms. Jimada said. "Everything is laid down
in the code", she added.
She also said the
payments will be made into the NBC account.
Mrs. Jimada further said
the contraventions were made between June and September this year and all the
erring stations were fined according to the provisions of the Nigeria
Broadcasting Code.
For using hateful
speech, Family Love FM Port Harcourt was fined N200, 000 on 9/6/2017; ABS FM
Awka fined N100,000 on 1/7/17; Express FM Radio Kano also fined N300,000 on
12/9/17, 16/9/17 and 17/9/17.
For using indecent
musicals, the NBC fined RoyalFM Abuja, Flo FM Umuahia, Radio Continental Lagos
and Crystal 100.5FM Minna N100,000, N100,000, N200,000 and N100,000
respectively.
For making unverifiable claims in their broadcast, the regulator punished
Crowther FM Abuja, Harmony FM Abuja, Inspirational FM Uyo, BCA FM Umuahia, ABS
FM Awka, Minaj Systems Radio, Obosi, IBC (Orient TV), Owerri, Rainbow FM,
Isheri, Globe FM Bauchi, Arewa Radio, Kano, EBS Radio Benin and Bond FM Lagos
with fines of N100,000, N100,000, 100,000, 150,000, 100,000, N100,000, N50,000,
N100,000, N100,000,N100,000, N100,000 and N499,000 respectively.
As part of efforts to
stem the growing tide of hate speech in the country, the federal government in
June directed the NBC, to sanction any radio or television station that
broadcasts hate speech.
Also ahead of the
forthcoming elections, the regulatory body said it will impose heavy sanctions
on broadcast stations which promote hate speeches.
Source: All Africa
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