In a bid to allow Nigerians have
the benefit of daily update on the 2019 novel coronavirus, the National
Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has directed GOTv, DSTV, NTA Startimes,
FreeTv Platform and others, to allow local stations on their bouquet run
even after subscribers have exhausted their subscription.
This is even as the NBC mandated
broadcasters in the country to allot 10 per cent of its daily airtime to
the public enlightenment of Nigerians on COVID-19.
In a statement issued in Abuja and made
available to our correspondent, the NBC said the decryption is to last
for one month in the first instance, while adding that further
directives shall be issued by the commission after detailed assessments
of subsequent development.
“The National Broadcasting Commission calls
on all Pay Subscription Broadcasters (GOTv, DSTV, NTA Startimes, FreeTv
Platform, etc) in Nigeria to decrypt all local channels on their
bouquet to enable subscribers to their services in Nigeria access,
without hindrances, daily reports and directives on the coronavirus
pandemic.
“The decryption is to last for one month,
in the first instance. Further directives on this shall be issued by the
commission after detailed assessments of subsequent development,” the
NBC said.
The NBC further recalled its earlier request that broadcast stations ensure timely basic information and updates on COVID-19.
It added that daily broadcast monitoring
reports so far indicated that broadcast stations across the country have
been giving detailed reportage on the campaign for awareness on the
2019 novel coronavirus.
The NBC however said it noted with
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 percent 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 commission commends broadcasters that
have remained steadfast and displayed professionalism this period,” the
management of NBC added.
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