By Uzair Adam Imam
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has announced the revocation of the licence of some broadcast media organizations in Nigeria.
NBC stated that the decision followed over failure to renew their broadcast licences amounting to N2.66 billion.
The affected media include AIT, Silverbird TV, Raypower FM, and Rhythm FM, amongst others.
A statement on Friday, August 19, 2022, disclosed the revocation, adding that a two-week waiver was given to them in May to do so, after which they risked the revocation of their broadcast licences.
The statement added, “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 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,” it added.
“Broadcasters should note that having a DTT or FM license does not warrant a broadcaster to stream online; they are two different licences,” the statement concluded.
