RSG Seeks Review Of Licence Fees On Radio Stations

As part of measures to enhance operational capability of radio stations in Nigeria, the Rivers State Government has called for a thorough review of the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) licencsing of broadcasting stations in the country.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Emma Okah made the call when some members of NBC visited him in his office in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
Hon. Okah, noted that the huge licence fees imposed on radio stations, was part of the impediments facing the smooth operation of some radio stations in the country.
“The kind of licence fees imposed on radio stations is alarming without the recognition of the fact that they have a role being played for the wellbeing and goodness of the Federal Government.
“I think, there is need for thorough and drastic review of the licencing fee on the Broadcasting Stations as many stations find it a very bitter pill to swallow, especially at this digital age.
“If that is done, I’m sure you would be helping them enhance their operational capabilities and they would be able to deliver more effective services to the public”, Okah said.
The Commissioner also urged the NBC, as an agency of the Federal Government to shun politics and create a level playing ground for all radio stations to carry out their fundamental assignments to the public and government.
The Commissioner who recalled what happened in Ekiti and Osun States during the last elections, where some Radio Stations were sanctioned for releasing result ahead of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announcement of results, urged the NBC to do same if such action also favoured ruling party in the country.
Okah also urged the NBC to establish a regional office, that would have component of training department to complement the head office and other Zonal offices in the country, saying that Rivers State has the highest number of Radio Stations apart from Lagos and Abuja.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to assisting the NBC as went about doing what wasright and sustainable.
Earlier, the leader and Chairman Finance Committee of the NBC, Mr Bamidele Atuko said the visit to the state was part of the commission’s sensitisation campaign against hate speeches and propaganda ahead of 2019 general election in the country.
Atuko, who stated the negative effect associated to hate speeches and propaganda, especially within the political campaign period, said the Commission will sanction any broadcasting station that flayed the professional ethics of broadcasting in the country.

By: Enoch Epelle.