Broadcasting is a creative medium, characterised by professionalism, choice and innovation to serve the interest of the general public. Its utilisation of audio and video technology makes it capable of reaching the audience simultaneously, availing mankind with the best means of information dissemination and reception. It also enables the individual to share in and contribute to the best of his ability to the world around him.
Broadcasting influences society positively setting the agenda for the social, cultural, economic, political and technological development of the nation, for the public good.
Every Nigerian therefore is expected to partake in sharing of ideas and experiences that will enrich his or her life and help him or her live in a complex, dynamic and humane society, as envisaged by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (hereinafter referred to as the CONSTITUTION). Culled from Nigeria Broadcasting code (4th edition 2006). The broadcasting system in Nigeria has taken a giant step with the advent of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) which was established in 1992 to monitor and regulate Broadcasting in Nigeria. This came as a result of the decree No 38 of 1992. It ushered in, the participation of private broadcasting stations and outfits in Nigeria. The decree put under the NBC all transmission of Sound or Vision by cable Television, Radio Satellite or any other medium of broadcast from anywhere in Nigeria to its authority (NBC). However, there are some conditions within which the (NBC) operates as culled from the Commissions Handbook: THIS IS NBC
In addition to its own inherent powers, the NBC has also been vested with exclusive powers relating to nationwide broadcasting licensing and regulation hitherto exercised by other agencies under the wireless Telegraph Act of 1996 and Regulations, Section 7(1) or the Nigerian Television Authority Act of 1976 and Section 6(1) of the Federal Radio Corporation Act of 1978.
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) advises the government of the Federation on the Implementation of the National Mass Communication Policy as it relates to Broadcasting.
The (NBC) is also responsible for
- The issuance, renewal, and revocation of broadcast licences.
- Approving transmitter power, location of stations, areas of coverage and types of broadcasting items of equipment to be used.
- Setting of standards through the National Broadcasting Code on acceptable and accepted content and quality of programme and non-programme materials’ broadcast in Nigeria, while upholding the principle of equity and fairness in broadcasting.
- Promoting Nigerian indigenous culture, moral and community life through broadcasting, not neglecting research and development in the Broadcast industry.
As earlier mentioned, standards need to be set through the National Broadcasting Code to guide all stakeholders including all tiers of government.
THE NATIONAL BROADCASTING CODE was launched on December 8, 1993, after meticulous deliberations of hundreds of Broadcasting professionals, communication Scholars, Legal luminaries, Advertising and Public Relations executives from all parts of the country. The basic objective of the Broadcasting code is to nurture freedom and Responsibility in strict observance of professionalism in terms of ethics and codes.
As a result, (NBC) Licenses were given out to a number of Radio stations, greater in number than Television. The first set of beneficiaries included EKO FM, RAY POWER FM all in Lagos. The Television stations were Galaxy Television with head quarters at Oke-Aare in Ibadan, within the premises of the old Rediffussion House. In Lagos we had: Degue Broadcasting Network (DBN), African Independence Television (AIT), Channels Television, Murhi International Television (MiTV)
Presently the Number of radio stations owned by government and private individuals has blown beyond proportion all over Nigeria. Now we can talk of hallmark of change in the Broadcasting System in the country.