By Adelola Amihere
The National Broadcasting Commission,NBC. has said it will not deter in sanctioning Broadcsst stations who air programmes with unverifiable claims targeted at COVID 19 Pandemic.
In a statement made available to The Authority, the Commission noted that the warning becane imperative folowing its observation of the preponderance of such programmes
The statement read, “Whilst the NBC commends the commitments of the Broadcast Stations for the massive coverage and support to Federal Government of Nigeria towards informing, enlightening Nigerians on the pandemic, it will not hesitate to impose severe sanctions on any station that allows unverifiable claims on its platform. ”
The Commission further drew attention to sone sections of the 6th edition of Nigeria Broadcasting Code which holds broadcast stations responsible for all Content that it transmits.
” 3.4.1(a), the broadcaster shall ensure that every programme is accurate and credible;
” 7.1.18, descriptions, claims, testimonials or illustrations in an advertisement relating to verifiable facts shall be such that can easily be substantiated.
‘”7.4.10, the broadcaster shall ensure that an advertisement is not broadcast if it contains any offer to diagnose or treat conditions by myth, superstitious beliefs and practice”, the statement added.
