PRESS FREEDOM: It is a black Friday in Nigeria, especially as it affects the right of the people to be informed about developments in the country by an independent press. In a very brazen move the Nigerian government appears to be stepping up war against the press, in effort to stifle freedom in the country.

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What We Know

Silverbird TV, AIT, Raypower FM, and Rhythm FM, among others, have had their broadcast licenses revoked by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) allegedly for failing to renew them for a total of N2.66 billion, the Clariform has learnt.

According to a statement released by NBC on Friday, the action came after a list of stations that had not yet renewed their licenses was made public.

The Commission claims that they had earlier been given a two-week waiver in May to do this, after which they ran the possibility of having their broadcast licenses revoked.

Three months after the publication, NBC said:

“Some licensees are yet to pay their outstanding debts, in contravention of the National Broadcasting Commission Act CAP N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, particularly section 10(a) of the third schedule of the Act.”

“Therefore, after due consideration, NBC hereby announces the revocation of the licenses of the…stations and gives them 24 hours to shut down their operations. Our offices nationwide are hereby directed to collaborate with security agencies to ensure immediate compliance.”

The agency is also going after online media companies streaming their broadcast in Nigeria to immediately register with the agency to avoid same fate as those ordered to immediately shutdown their operations.

“The Commission also calls on all IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) and all other broadcast stations that are streaming online to register with the Commission to avoid disconnection.”

“Broadcasters should note that having a DTT or FM license does not warrant a broadcaster to stream online; they are two different licences.”