The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has reiterated its vow to deal with any broadcast media that violates its code on political reportage.
Director General of NBC, Mallam Modibbo Kawu, gave the warning at a two-day training workshop on ‘Political Broadcasts for journalists in Enugu’.
Kawu noted that the commission would not fail in its sanction against any broadcast media that violated the NBC Code for reporting politics.
“This workshop is to remind you that the NBC will wield the big hammer on any broadcast station that goes contrary to the provisions of the NBC Broadcasting Code as it concerns reporting politics and political matters.
“It is clear that we all, both practitioners and regulatory bodies must work together to keep a virile, credible and violence free elections.
“So, we are here to discuss the guidelines and processes to follow so that your stations through acts of omission or commission will not fall victim of the enforcement of the commission,’’ he said.
In a lecture entitled: “Presentation of Tapestry Hate Speech Research Findings’’; Prof. Pate Umaru, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri said that only objectivity and professionalism could eliminate hate speeches in broadcasting.
Pate also urged journalists especially broadcasters to ensure that their personal, ethnic and religious biases do not in any form enter into their reportage.
“As we love this country, we should shun hate speeches and stereotypes against other people since election come and go while Nigeria remains.
“So, I will advise you to anchor all your reportage on facts and objectivity; while leaving out all foul languages, abuses and other tendencies that brings a report to bad taste,” he said.
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