Broadcasting
Guild of Editors Asks NBC to Withdraw Fines on ChannelsTV, Inspiration FM
Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has asked that called National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), to withdraw the obnoxious fines imposed on Channels Television and Inspiration FM for alleged infractions and stop the harassment of broadcast stations over matters that could easily be resolved through dialogue.
The Guild of Editors described the NBC as playing the role of an accuser, the prosecutor and the judge insisted that both stations involved haven’t been given enough time to defend themselves.
The NBC had imposed a N5million fine on Channels Television for an alleged infraction of the NBC broadcast code after ChannelsTV interviewed Mr Emma Powerful, spokesperson of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, on its politics programme, Politics Today.
The NBC had on April 27, In a statement by Armstrong Idachaba, the acting director-general, said the sections of the code breached by the stations are “class A” offences which attract the “immediate order of suspension of broadcast services; suspension of licence and immediate shut down”. But reacting to the fines,
The Nigerian Guild of Editors frowned at the action of NBC, saying the National Broadcasting Code is “clearly at variance with the tenets of democracy anchored on freedom of expression and a free press.”
According to the Nigerian Guild of Editors, “These fines are punitive, arbitrary and against press freedom.”
“NBC is punishing Channels TV for interviewing the spokesman of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, while Inspiration FM is facing the hammer of NBC for broadcasting a statement of IPOB declaring a sit -at -home order.”
The Guild stated. “Once again, the NBC has played the role of an accuser, the prosecutor and the judge.”
It noted. Nigerian Guild of Editors opined that such actions do not bedeck democratic principles of freedom of expression.
It said, “In a democratic country like ours, a panel should have been set up to investigate the alleged infractions, with both stations given the opportunity to defend themselves.”
“The National Broadcasting Code is clearly at variance with the tenets of democracy anchored on freedom of expression and a free press.”
It pointed out. The Guild noted that apology letters from both stations affected was too hasty and not enough grounds to justify the actions of the NBC.
“Every accused person or organisation deserves a fair hearing before punishment is pronounced. Obtaining letters of apology from the affected stations under duress can’t justify the action of the NBC.”
It said. In what seems like a wide example of criticisms pointed out against the NBC by many Nigerians, The Nigerian Guild of Editors cited a similar case where a leader of a terrorist group was interviewed by VOA Hausa service but sanctions were not imposed to date.
“The Voice of America, VOA, Hausa Service, recently interviewed the leader of a terrorist group behind the abduction of 22 students of Greenfield University, Kaduna State.
In that interview, the terrorists threatened to kill the remaining students in their custody if N100 million ( One hundred million naira ) was not paid within twenty-four hours.”
“Neither the American authorities nor any other regulatory agency imposed sanctions on VOA for this interview.” The Guild noted.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors calls for the review of the broadcast code to help nurture and sustain Nigeria’s democracy.
According to the Nigerian Guild of Editors, “The Nigerian Broadcasting Code should be reviewed without delay to reflect democratic principles. Broadcast stations in Nigeria shouldn’t be made to operate in an atmosphere of fear.
“A free press is needed to nurture and sustain our democracy.” It said. The Nigeria Guild of Editors warns NBC to stop the harassment of broadcast stations but ensure resolution of trivial matters through dialogue “
Spotify, the Swedish audio streaming and media service provider, paid over $38 million in royalties last year to Nigerian artists who are riding on the wave growing interest in music from Nigeria and African continent.
Elsewhere, South African performers reached $21 million, up 54 per cent year- on-year.
In total the two biggest African markets got around $59 million last year.
Meanwhile, the Swedish company paid out some $10 billion in royalties worldwide in 2024.
And while Africa represents only a small part of its offering, interest in African artists has ballooned, buoyed in part by internationally recognised acts like South African singer Tyla and Nigeria’s Burna Boy.
Around 250 million user-created playlists now feature at least one Nigerian artist, and 220 million contain a South African, the company said on Thursday.
“What we’re seeing is an excellent evolution around more and more mid-tier or up-and-coming artists making a living,” said Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s managing director for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Much of that came from outside their home markets.
Nigerian artists have seen a 49% increase in export growth over the past three years, while South Africa saw export growth of 104%.
The number of Nigerian artists earning 10 million Naira, meanwhile, doubled year-on-year and has tripled since 2022.
In South Africa, the number of those earning between 100,000 and 500,000 rand has doubled over the past three years.
CNN International’s magazine programme, African Voices Changemakers, sponsored by Globacom, will this week celebrate two of Africa’s biggest gospel music stars, Nathaniel Bassey and Mercy Chinwo.
The 30-minute programme will showcase the gospel stars who are expected to bring their unique gospel vibes to the show.
Nathaniel Bassey, a Nigerian singer, trumpeter, and gospel songwriter, has gained massive popularity with his songs like “Yahweh Sabaoth”, “Ebenezer”, and “Tobechukwu”.
Born on August 27, 1981, Bassey studied International Relations and Politics at the University of Lagos and later Music at Middlesex University Summer School in the UK., Bassey’s music has inspired countless fans around the world.
The second guest, Mercy Chinwo, is a Nigerian gospel singer, actress, and songwriter who began her music career at age six. She signed with EeZee Conceptz in 2017 and released her first single “Excess Love” in 2018.
Chinwo has won several awards, including the Gospel Artiste of the year at the AFRIMMA Awards in 2020. With her powerful voice and captivating stage presence, Chinwo has made a significant impact on the gospel music scene across the globe.
African Voices Changemakers will air on Saturday at 8:30 a.m., with repeats on the same day at noon, and on Sunday at 4:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The show will also air on Monday at 4 a.m. The same broadcast schedule will be repeated next week.
Netflix has expanded its language options for television viewers, allowing users to select from the full list of available subtitles and dubbing languages for any title.
This update aims to make Netflix’s global catalogue more accessible, especially as nearly a third of its viewership comes from non-English language shows.
Previously, TV users could only choose from a limited selection of languages based on their location and settings.
Now, they can access the complete range of available languages for any title, similar to the flexibility already offered on mobile devices and web browsers.
For instance, a user can watch an English title like “Bridgerton” with Spanish dubbing and Korean subtitles, or opt for Japanese dubbing with Portuguese subtitles.
Netflix offers subtitles in 33 languages and audio dubbing in 36 languages across its catalogue, though the exact number of available languages may vary by title. This change responds to numerous user requests for more language options on TV platforms.
This move reflects Netflix’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and catering to its diverse global audience by providing more inclusive viewing experiences.
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