More condemnation has trailed the N5 million fine that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) imposed on Trust Television Network, an arm of the Media Trust Group.
The Northern Broadcast Media Owners Association (NBMOA) in a statement expressed “deep concern” over the fine which it described as “punitive.”
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Daily Trust reports that since the NBC imposed the fine over the broadcast of a documentary exposing bandits, condemnations have trailed the decision.
In a statement by its Acting Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Yelwa, the NBMOA called on the NBC to rescind the decision, saying the fine was “not only arbitrary, but also a gross violation of press freedom and the rule of law.”
It noted that the documentary in question “is globally adjudged to be balanced, fair and ethical, even though the NBC deemed it to have glorified banditry and breached national security.”
The statement read: “Whereas it’s not the intention of Northern Broadcast Media Owners Association, NBMOA, to join issues with the NBC, we humble wish to state that any objective review of the programme would acknowledge the depth, ingenuity, patriotism and professionalism of its producers.
“Security challenges currently confronting the nation, require a new thinking and strategy. This, we believe, was what the producers of the programme attempted to do.
“It’s our conviction that at this point of our state of national affair, we must not shy away from discussing knotty national issues frankly, sincerely and comprehensively.
“We wish to therefore call on the NBC to rescind the decision to impose fine on the station. This will open opportunities for nurturing cooperation and synergy between the media and the government. NMBOA believes that the many positive takeaways from the programme, if property harnessed by all concerned, would go a long way in aiding our understanding of the ecosystem of banditry in Nigeria.
“Already, broadcast stations in the country have been in the forefront of the war against banditry and terrorism in the country. We have consistently engaged in the search for solutions and have brought to the fore the destitution and predicament of victims, as well as the gallantry of our troop.
“We therefore call on the government to reciprocate our patriotic efforts by extending a hand of friendship to the media to ensure unity of purpose and harmony at these trying times of our national life. While anticipating your prompt response to our call, please remain assured of the highest regard of our organization.”
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