NBC Cautions Presenters: Zero Tolerance for Bias, Bullying, and Code Breaches

The National Broadcasting Commission has expressed concern over what it described as a decline in professionalism among broadcast anchors and presenters, warning that breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code will attract sanctions as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Friday via its Facebook page by the Office of the Director-General, Public Affairs Department, the commission noted a “worrying shift” away from the fundamental principles of broadcast journalism. It said presenters are increasingly disregarding standards of fairness, balance, and neutrality.

According to the NBC, some of the observed lapses include presenting personal opinions as established facts, failing to accommodate opposing viewpoints, and permitting inflammatory or divisive content during programmes. It stressed that such practices violate key provisions of the code, which mandate accuracy, professionalism, and responsible broadcasting.

The commission warned that any presenter who expresses personal opinions as facts, intimidates or bullies guests, or denies equal opportunity for alternative perspectives would be classified as committing a Class B breach. It further clarified that broadcasters bear full editorial responsibility for all content aired, including live programmes, and cannot shift that responsibility to guests.

The NBC added that these concerns reflect a broader pattern of increasing violations across news, current affairs, and political programming, noting that broadcast platforms are gradually being used in ways that undermine their duty to provide accurate and professional information to the public.

It also pointed to the growing misuse of the airwaves by political actors to spread content capable of inciting unrest, promoting hate speech, and weakening national unity.

Reaffirming its regulatory stance, the commission stated that it would enforce strict compliance with the broadcasting code, warning that any inflammatory, divisive, or unverified content would attract sanctions. It emphasized that adherence to the code is compulsory and not optional.

As the nation moves closer to a critical election period, the NBC urged media organisations to uphold responsible communication, stressing that broadcast platforms must not fuel tension or spread misinformation, but instead serve as reliable channels for credible information and national cohesion.