Nigeria 2011: Media regulatory agency slams US$ 3,500 sanction on radio station

Abuja, Nigeria (PANA) - Nigeria's media regulatory agency, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Thursday sanctioned the north east Zamfara State Radio Station for breaching its code of conduct, slamming on it a 500,000 naira (about US$ 3,500) fine, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The NBC's Head of Public Affairs, Malam Awwalu Salihu, said in Abuja that the radio station was sanctioned for airing unauthorised election results.

"The National Broadcasting Commission has sanctioned Zamfara State Radio Station, Gasau, for broadcasting unauthorised results on Wednesday, 27 April, and should pay a fine of N500,000,'' it said.

It urged other broadcast stations in the country to adhere to the NBC code and reminded them that only Returning Officers, authorised by INEC, had the right to announce official election results.

The commission also reminded the media that it was unlawful to speculate on candidates leading in collated election results.

It, however, commended them for enhancing the coverage of the 2011 general elections.
-0- PANA BOS 28April2011