COVID-19: NBC Orders Free TV Packages For Nigerians
- Pay platforms to release all local channels
BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – In line with national interest and their social responsibility to assist tackle the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has directed DSTV, GOTV, NTA Startimes, FreeTV and other pay TV platforms in Nigeria to decrypt all local channels for the next one month.
The development is to enable subscribers easily access daily reports, information and directives on the Coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Ekanem Antia, the NBC management said the decryption will run for one month in the first instance
According to the statement; “Further directives on this shall be issued by the Commission after detailed assessments of subsequent development.”
The statement also said the NBC had earlier requested broadcast stations to ensure the airing of timely basic information and updates on the pandemic.
It said the NBC notes from its daily monitoring of reports so far on broadcast stations across the country that many of them have been offering detailed reportage of awareness campaign on the deadly virus.
However, the Commission expressed dismay that a few broadcasters aired “unsubstantiated news and names of persons purportedly infected by the virus without required professional authentication”.
“Broadcasters are further mandated to allot, at least, 10% of their daily airtime to public enlightenment on the virus, in line with National interest and Social Responsibility, as enshrined in the Nigeria Broadcasting Code,” the statement added.
On the whole, the NBC management commended broadcasters “that have remained steadfast and displayed professionalism in this trying period”.
