Information Bill:  NBC calls for code adherence

Daily Trust, Friday, November 17, 2006, Page 2

Following the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill by the Senate, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has enjoined broadcasters to operate within the context of its codes.

NBC Acting Director-General, Bayo Atoyebi, gave the advice yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The Bill passed on Wednesday by the Senate stipulated 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, said the development was not a license for broadcasters to violate NBC codes, stressing that “freedom is not absolute” as certain information remain classified.

He said the passage of the bill would enhance journalism practice in the country and place responsibility on broadcasters and information managers.

Speaking on political broadcast and advertisements, Atoyebi said politicians, irrespective of their political parties, would be given equal access and air time.

According to him, operational procedures and guidelines in broadcasting have been given to broadcasting 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.  (NAN)