NBC Warns Broadcasters Against Unprofessional Conduct, Threatens Sanctions Ahead of 2027 Polls

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a stern warning to television and radio stations over what it describes as a troubling decline in professional standards among on-air personalities, cautioning that violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code will attract penalties as the 2027 general elections draw closer.

In a statement released Friday via its official Facebook page and signed by the management of the Public Affairs Department, the commission expressed alarm over a “disturbing departure from the core principles of broadcast journalism,” noting that anchors and presenters are increasingly flouting ethical requirements on fairness, balance, and neutrality.

Growing Breaches Worry Regulator

The NBC highlighted a pattern of infractions including presenters airing personal opinions as established facts, denying guests fair hearing on contentious issues, and permitting inflammatory or divisive rhetoric during programmes. The commission stressed that such conduct constitutes a clear violation of the Broadcasting Code’s provisions on accuracy, professionalism, and responsible programming.

The regulator specifically warned that any anchor found to have “expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, or denied fair hearing to opposing views” would be considered to have committed a Class B breach. It further reminded broadcasters that editorial responsibility remains with the station and cannot be delegated to programme guests, even during live transmissions.

Political Programming Under Scrutiny

The commission noted that the concerns are part of a broader “sustained increase in breaches” observed across news bulletins, current affairs shows, and political discussion programmes. It lamented that broadcast platforms are increasingly being deployed in ways that stray from their fundamental duty to inform the public with accuracy and impartiality.

The NBC also drew attention to the misuse of airwaves by political actors seeking to propagate content capable of inciting unrest, spreading hate speech, or threatening national cohesion.

“Strict and uncompromised compliance” with the Broadcasting Code will be enforced, the statement read, emphasising that adherence is “mandatory, not discretionary.” The commission made clear that “inflammatory, divisive, or unsubstantiated broadcasts will attract regulatory sanctions.”

As the nation approaches a crucial electoral season, the NBC urged broadcast organisations to champion responsible discourse, insisting that the airwaves must serve as platforms for credible information and national unity rather than instruments for amplifying tension or peddling misinformation.