The National Broadcasting Commission, on Friday, directed television and radio stations in the country to desist from including details of victims of Boko Haram and bandits in their reportage.
In a letter titled, ‘Newspaper Reviews And Current Affairs Programmes: A Need For Caution’, the regulatory body enjoined “broadcasters to collaborate with the government in dealing with the security challenges”, the NBC cautioned broadcast stations not to glamourise the terrorists’ activities in their daily reporting.
It said: “Headlines of most Newspapers on a daily basis are replete with security topics.
“While bringing information on security to the doorsteps of Nigerians is a necessity, there is a need for caution as too many details may have an adverse implication on the efforts of our security officials who are duty-bound to deal with the insurgency.
“The Commission, therefore, enjoins broadcasters to collaborate with the government in dealing with the security challenges by;
“Advising guests and/or analysts on programmes not to polarise the citizenry with divisive rhetoric, in driving home their point.
“Not giving details of either the security issues or victims of these security challenges so as not to jeopardise the efforts of the Nigerian soldiers and other security agents.”
The Commission warned broadcast stations to be guided by provisions of Sections 5.4.1(f) and 5.4.3 of the NBC Code which states thus:
“The broadcaster shall not transmit divisive materials that may threaten or compromise the divisibility and indissolubility of Nigeria as a sovereign state.
“In reporting conflict situations, the broadcaster shall perform the role of a peace agent by adhering to the principle of responsibility, accuracy and neutrality.”
