Information bill: NBC warns broadcasters
Following the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has warned broadcasters to operate within the context of its codes.
NBC Acting Director-General Bayo Atoyebi gave the warning while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
The bill, passed in November, 2006 by the Senate stipulates that every citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has a legally enforceable right to, and shall on application be given access to any record under the control of a government or public institution.
Atoyebi, however, emphasised that the development was not a license for broadcasters to violate NBC codes, stressing that ``freedom is not absolute'' as certain information remained classified.
He said the bill would enhance journalism practice in the country, and also place responsibility on broadcasters and information managers.
Speaking on political broadcast and adverts, Atoyebi said politicians, irrespective of parties, would be given equitable access and air time.
He said operational procedures and guidelines in broadcasting had been given to stations in order to operate uniformly as the nation prepares for the 2007 general elections.
NBC, established in 1992, regulates the broadcast industry in Nigeria.