Reverse The N9m Fine Or Face Legal Risks – SERAP Warns NBC

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project SERAP has asked the National Broadcasting Corporation NBC to withdraw the N3m fine imposed on Channels Televisions, Arise Television and African Independent Television AIT each over the coverage of the #EndSARS protests in the country.
Recall that the NBC had alleged that the 3 broadcast stations used unverifiable video footages and images in the course of their reportage, adding that the sanction is an initial warning to them and will serve as same to other broadcast media. Meanwhile, the Commission had, during the protests, warned the Nigerian broadcast media not to embarrass the government with their reportage.
Reacting to the sanction in a series of tweets, SERAP described it as unconstitutional, and accused the Nigerian Government of using broadcast regulation to silence independent media. It then gave the NBC 48-hours to reverse the decision or risk legal actions.
“We condemn the illegal fines of N9m reportedly imposed by the National Broadcasting Commission on Channels TV,  AIT and Arise TV (N3m each) over their coverage of the #EndSARS protests. We’ll sue the NBC if the unconstitutional fines are not rescinded within 48 hours. This action by the NBC is yet another example of Nigerian authorities’ push to silence independent media and voices”, SERAP began.
“The NBC should drop the fines and uphold Nigerian constitution and international obligations to respect and protect freedom of expression and media freedom. The fines are detrimental to freedom of expression and the media, and access to information in Nigeria, and the NBC must withdraw the decision. Media freedom and media plurality are a central part of the effective exercise of freedom of expression and access to information.”
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“The ability to practice journalism free from undue interference, to cover peaceful protests, and critical views are crucial to the exercise of many other rights and freedoms. The media has a vital role to play as ‘public watchdog’ in imparting information of serious public concern and should not be inhibited or intimidated from playing that role. The NBC should stop targeting and intimidating independent media and voices”, SERAP wrote. Photos Credit: Getty