The Arise Television has been charged a penalty of N2 million by the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, a regulatory body agency for broadcasting networks for television and radio stations in Nigeria.
This was contained in a letter from the NBC to the Chief Executive Officer,
Arise Global Media Limited, Apapa Lagos, dated Saturday 12 November, 2022, and signed by Balarabe Shehu Helah of the NBC
The letter titled “BREACH OF NIGERIA BROADCASTING CODE: A Sanction”, highlights the offences committed by the television station including a breach of Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
According to the letter, ARISE TV ran a fake news purportedly presented as an Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Press Release, which, however proved to be fake.
NBC in the letter claimed that following INEC’ refuting the alleged Press Release not emanating from the electoral body, and the material used by the Arise Television, the station was liable of having committed a breach of the broadcasting code.
It described the actions of the Arise Television, as most unfortunate breach of the Nigeria broadcasting code and gross display of unprofessionalism and insensitivity by the Arise Television organization at this time of Electioneering.
“The National Broadcasting Commission, on Saturday 12 November, 2022 monitored the broadcast of a Press Release purportedly signed by Festus Okoye Esq, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
“The said Press Release alleged that INEC is investigating the use of forfeiture by a US Court against the Presidential Candidate of the APC, with a view to prosecution.
“The Press Release in reference has been tagged FAKE by INEC and the Organization has also issued a counter Press Release to refute the story.” The letter reads.
“This is a most unfortunate breach of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and gross display Of unprofessionalism and insensitivity by your organization at this time of Electioneering.
“It would be recalled that the National Broadcasting Commission, between 19 and 26” of September 2022 went round the country to sensitize broadcasters and remind them on the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and the Electoral Act as we count down to the 2023 General Elections.
“The Commission also underscored the need for broadcasters to double check the veracity of any information especially those from the Social Media, (User Generated Content, UCG) Ref Nigeria Broadcasting Code 5.6.5.
“News is the most potent of all broadcast and therefore the editorial responsibility of the broadcasters is sacrosanct Every news most be verified.
“And Section 5 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code provides that “News shall be presented as a truthful and accurate account of an event or phenomenon News requires the highest level of responsibility by practitioners in adhering to the most pristine of their professional ethics. This includes truthfulness, accuracy, fairness, objectivity, impartiality… .”
“Section 5.13 of the code says ‘FAKE NEWS IS PROHIBITED’
Although, your station his tendered apology to the presidential case of APC after the professional glitch, the Commission expects broadcasters to ensure utmost professionalism as anything contrary may have grave consequences
Consequently, pursuant to Section 513 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
“Arise TV hereby sanctioned and shall pay a penalty of 2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira only). Note that the penalty shall be paid within two weeks of the receipts of this letter or sanction shall be graduate.” The letter reads.
