NBC urges new stations to abide by codes
Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has urged operators of newly licensed TV outfits to abide by the nation’s broadcasting codes.
Acting NBC director general Armstrong Idachaba recently met with Trefoil Networks MD Onochie Amasiani, who was representing the management of recently licensed broadcaster OurTv, at the commission.
During the meeting, held to formally inform NBC management about OurTv and present its set-up box, Idachaba said broadcasters must abide by the NBC’s broadcasting code and avoid divisive content. He also thanked the management of OurTv for their commitment to promoting local content.
‘‘We commend you for your continued commitment to the broadcast industry. I am quite sure you have invested your resources, time and energy in promoting broadcasting in Nigeria,” Idachaba said.
“We are glad that part of what you are putting up is largely indigenous. I take cognisance of the fact you are already creating jobs for the Nigerian youth.
‘‘Be sure that whatever content you carry promote the image of Nigeria, its culture and conditions. You must bring Nigerians together; you must not bring hate or divisiveness. We hope you become good ambassadors representing us at international hub. When you do that, I can assure you that the current management of NBC, and even in the future, will give you all the support you require.”
Amasiani, meanwhile, pledged to partner with the commission to fulfil OurTv’s corporate social responsibilities.
He said: “OurTv is an expression of local content. OurTv was fully integrated in Nigeria by Nigerians [and is] transmitted on the Nigerian satellite Nigcomsat1R, received by set-top boxes made in Nigeria and managed by a Nigerian company.
“We are here to present the baby that NBC licensed to us a couple of years back and to inform the commission that it is alive and kicking and healthy and ready to go.
“We are the pioneer users of NigComSat because we believe in Nigeria and are confident that this has come to stay. The local content and progress made so far has reinforced our belief that this is the way to go.”