The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has taken a swipe at the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over its latest advisory to broadcast stations, warning that the move could erode press freedom and weaken democratic accountability.
The dispute stems from a notice issued by the NBC on April 17, 2026, in which the regulator cautioned broadcasters against perceived violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
The commission advised presenters to avoid expressing personal opinions on air and adopt what it described as a “crisis-free” approach to content delivery, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum.
But in a strongly worded response, the NUJ described the directive as intrusive and inconsistent with the principles of independent journalism.
The union’s National Secretary, Achike Chude, said the guidelines amount to an attempt to control newsroom decisions and limit the role of journalists in shaping public discourse.
According to him, journalism - especially in political reporting and analysis - requires depth, context, and the ability to interrogate issues, not mere repetition of official narratives.
“Denying presenters the latitude to analyse events reduces broadcasting to a mechanical exercise and strips the media of its critical role in society,” the union stated.
The NUJ further warned that the NBC’s classification of certain editorial actions as “Class B breaches,” punishable by fines or suspension, could create a chilling effect across the industry.
It argued that such provisions may push journalists toward self-censorship, thereby weakening investigative reporting and limiting the diversity of views available to the public.
The union also anchored its position on constitutional provisions, noting that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and the right to disseminate information without interference.
“The broadcasting code cannot override the Constitution. Regulatory powers must not be deployed in a way that undermines fundamental freedoms,” the statement emphasised.
While calling for restraint on the part of the regulator, the NUJ urged media professionals to remain committed to ethical standards while resisting undue pressure.
“The responsibility of the media is to inform, question, and hold power to account. It must not be reduced to an echo chamber for any authority,” the union said.
Leave a Reply