Anambra 2013: NBC To Clampdown Violating Medium

As Anambra state prepares for Governorship and local government election, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has directed both the broadcast and print media in the country to strictly adhere to the ethics of journalism profession on their reportage within and after the polls vowing to clampdown on any medium that violate it ethical code.

The Zonal Director, NBC Enugu Zone, Engr. Victoria Eke gave the charge while delivering a welcome address at Stakeholders' Forum On Political Broadcast Guideline held yesterday at whiteview hotel, Awka, the capital of Anambra state.

Engr. Eke said: "The NBC is directing broadcasters to always consider what is beneficially to the public on their reportage with a view to accelerate the unity, peace, development and participatory democracy in this country. You should help in sensitizing stakeholders on the need to have peaceful political atmosphere. We know that political broadcasts come in different formats. But whatever formats it is, there is NBC code guarding it".

"Therefore, you should adhere to Electoral Act and other relevant laws governing electoral reportage during the forthcoming governorship and local government polls in Anambra state; create and promote political awareness amongst the people; inculcate in the people the spirit of tolerance of all shades of opinion; and promote social justice based on the responsibilities and rights of the individuals in society", stated the NBC Boss.

Reciting the NBC rules, Director General of NBC, Mr. Emeka Mba enjoined all broadcasting stations to grant equal access and airtime to all contestants to canvass for votes in a decent and civil manner but cautioned them not to incite public to violence.

In a separate paper presentation, Sir Chris Okoyomoh; Very Revd. Mosgr. Johnbosco Akam and Emmanuel Ifeadike re-emphasized the needs for the media to uphold objectivity, fairness and freedom of information Act while discharging their duties.