The Federal Government of Nigeria through the the National Broadcasting Commission is making the move to control information from the ongoing protests and the crackdown on protesters.
In a statement just released by the Commission signed by an anonymous, the Commission is reminding all broadcast stations to remember the code which forbids it from airing some incidents.
The NBC said it has been watching with keen intrest the coverage of the event by broadcast stations so far.
It though commended them of their gatekeeping roles so far but still went ahead to list areas of interests.
”In specific terms, the Commission enjoined Broadcasters to take definite note of the following provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code to further guide their broadcast during this challenging time:
Broadcast technology enables the Broadcaster to bring information on issues of concern to the audience with immediacy. In the event of a crises, the advantages of broadcast technologies may be used but not in a manner to aggravate the situation or adversely affect those emotionally involved;
At all times, ensure that the coverage of a disaster or crisis is aimed at the overall public interest, guidance and safety;” it added.
Although it encourages the practitioners to be effective and professional, it however cautioned them to exercise restraints in its reportage of the ongoing crisis by being a peace agent.
