Silverbird TV, AIT, Raypower FM, and Rhythm FM, among others, have had their broadcast licences cancelled by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for failing to renew them for a total of N2.66 billion.
According to a statement released by NBC on Friday, the action came after a list of stations that had not yet renewed their licences was made public. The Commission claims that they were given a two-week waiver in May to do this, after which they ran the possibility of having their broadcast licences revoked.
However, NBC reported that three months after the article was published, “several licensees are yet to pay their outstanding obligations, in defiance of the National Broadcasting Commission Act CAP N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, specifically section 10(a) of the Act.
“Therefore, after due consideration, NBC hereby announces the revocation of the licenses of the…stations and gives them 24 hours to shut down their operations. Our offices nationwide are hereby directed to collaborate with security agencies to ensure immediate compliance.”
“The Commission also calls on all IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) and all other broadcast stations that are streaming online to register with the Commission to avoid disconnection,” it added.
“Broadcasters should note that having a DTT or FM license does not warrant a broadcaster to stream online; they are two different licences.”
