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Tag: National Broadcasting Commission

  • Federal Government Rolls Out FreeTV, Nigerians Raise Questions Over Power Supply

    The Federal Government has officially rolled out FreeTV, a national digital television platform offering over 100 free channels across Nigeria. The initiative is part of efforts to advance the country’s Digital Switch-Over (DSO) programme and expand access to digital broadcasting services.

    While the platform promises wider access to entertainment and information without subscription fees, the launch has triggered public debate, with many Nigerians questioning how practical the service will be amid ongoing electricity challenges across the country.

    NBC Unveils Nationwide Digital Platform

    The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) announced that FreeTV will be delivered through satellite, terrestrial transmission and a dedicated mobile application.

    According to the commission, the platform is designed to improve picture quality, increase local content distribution and extend coverage to rural and underserved communities.

    Households with compatible DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders can access the service, while some existing free-to-air setups may not require new equipment.

    Government Links Project to Digital Inclusion Agenda

    The Federal Government described the rollout as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at expanding digital access, supporting the creative industry and creating employment opportunities.

    NBC Director-General, Charles Ebuebu, said the platform would benefit both consumers and content creators.

    “With FreeTV, families across Nigeria can enjoy quality digital television without a monthly subscription, while our local content producers, technicians, and young creatives gain new platforms and new jobs,” he said.

    The government also noted plans to establish regional studios in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Benin to boost local production capacity.

    Digital Switch-Over Enters New Phase

    The launch marks another major step in Nigeria’s long-delayed Digital Switch-Over programme, which seeks to fully replace analogue broadcasting by December 31, 2028.

    Officials say the platform will also feature indigenous language channels, educational programming and improved access to information for remote communities.

    Nigerians Raise Concerns Over Power Supply

    Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the rollout, many Nigerians have raised concerns about the country’s unreliable electricity supply, which they say could limit the effectiveness of the service.

    Some citizens welcomed the idea of free television access, describing it as a relief from rising subscription costs. Others, however, argued that without stable power and strong signal coverage, the impact of FreeTV may remain limited in many households.

    The discussion has continued online, with Nigerians weighing the benefits of the platform against broader infrastructural challenges.

  • NBC Warns Broadcasters Over ‘Bias, Intimidation’ Ahead of 2027 Elections

    The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a strong warning to Nigerian broadcasters, cautioning that unethical conduct by presenters and anchors will attract sanctions as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

    The commission raised concerns over what it described as a growing pattern of violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across news and political programmes.

    What happened

    In a statement released on Friday, the NBC said it has observed a steady increase in breaches of the sixth edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

    According to the commission, broadcast platforms are increasingly being used in ways that fall short of their core responsibility to provide accurate, balanced, and professional information to the public.

    Concerns over presenters’ conduct

    The NBC noted that some presenters and anchors now compromise neutrality by expressing personal opinions as facts and denying guests fair hearing during discussions.

    It warned that such actions violate established broadcasting standards, which require impartiality and balanced representation of all sides on issues of public interest.

    “Henceforth, any anchor or presenter found to have expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, denied fair hearing to opposing views, or otherwise compromised neutrality, shall be deemed to have committed a Class B breach,” the commission stated.

    Political content under scrutiny

    The commission also expressed concern over the use of broadcast platforms by political actors to spread divisive and unverified claims.

    It stressed that broadcasters remain fully responsible for all content aired, including live programmes, and cannot shift that responsibility to guests.

    Sanctions and warning

    The NBC reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict compliance with the broadcasting code, warning that violations involving hate speech, incitement, and lack of balance will attract penalties.

    It urged media organisations to maintain professionalism and ensure that the airwaves are not used to spread misinformation as Nigeria moves closer to another election cycle.