The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has said that the fine imposed on Jay FM, Jos, was due to its continuous airing of vulgar and indecent music lyrics, in spite of verbal and written warnings to the station.
The Head, Public Affairs of NBC, Mrs Maimuna Jimada, gave the explanation in a statement in Abuja on Friday.
Jimada quoted the Director-General of the commission, Malam Is’haq Kawu as saying that the commission had been very proactive and responsive in its efforts at regulating the broadcast industry, especially as regards ensuring the citizens’ right to quality broadcasting.
“The attention of the NBC has been drawn to comments and observations in the media space regarding the fine imposed on Jay FM Jos for continuous airing of vulgar and indecent music lyrics in spite of verbal and written warnings to the station.
“The Act establishing the NBC empowered the commission, to among other mandates in Section 2.1(h), to “establish and disseminate a National Broadcasting Code and set standards with regard to the content and quality of materials for broadcast.
“This, the commission has done and because of the revolutionary nature of broadcasting, the Nigeria Broadcasting Code is reviewed every four years in a stakeholders’ participatory process.
“Information about the review of the code is disseminated widely and participation is open to all relevant and interested members of the public.
“Consequently, the code is a document which has the input of a wide variety of stakeholders.
“ In addition, the code is available on the NBC website and media pages and at our various offices located across the country,’’ he explained.
According to him, by Industry standards, broadcast stations are mandated by law, to adhere strictly to the dictates of the code and where they falter, the commission initiates the sanction process.
The director-general explained that all actions of the commission were strictly informed by and carried out according to the dictates of the law and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
Kawu, therefore, enjoined all artistes to produce broadcast versions of their works to enable broadcast stations to use them without contravening the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
“In addition, the Nigerian artiste has a responsibility to the country. Today, popular songs of leading Nigerian musicians garner millions of views on YouTube.
“This indicates the level of influence they exert upon the young people who make up the majority of our country’s population. We believe our artistes should offer a positive influence on this young population.
“Broadcasting is a creative medium characterised by professionalism, choice and innovation to serve the interest of the general public.
“And it is expected to influence society positively by setting the agenda for the social, cultural, economic, political and technological development of the nation for the public good.’’
He assured Nigerians that the commission would continue to execute its responsibilities without fear or favour and would apply the relevant sanctions on erring stations whenever they violate the code. (NAN)
MS/GOM/NKO
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Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Nkechi Okoronkwo
