Thursday , March 28 2024

What it takes to lose your radio license in Nigeria

If you’ve ever wished you could start your own radio or television station in Nigeria then know that it is possible. If you have the right information it and resources it won’t be a problem at all. Among the first basic things you do if you want to operate a radio or television station in Nigeria is to apply for a license.

Whether you want to apply for an FM Radio licence or Community Radio Licence, the procedure for obtaining a broadcast licence is stipulated by the National Broadcasting Commission Act, Cap N11, Laws of the Federation 2004. Before applying for the licence you would have registered as a Limited Liability Company under the Companies and Allied Matter Act, 1990 with a minimum Share Capital of One Million Naira and one of its objects clauses relating to Broadcasting. Then write a letter addressed to the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) seeking approval to purchase an application form for the purpose of applying for a broadcast licence indicating the category of Licence and proposed location (s).

After payment of Licence fee in full, appropriate frequencies would be assigned to enable the company install facilities, invite the Commission to inspect and approve Test transmission as a prelude to Commissioning/full transmission.

Obtaining the broadcast to operate a radio or television station in Nigeria does not mean you can operate without caution. Your broadcast licence could be withdrawn at any time once you’ve been deemed to have violated broadcast rules. Be responsible on the air. You never know who might be listening. The NBC always monitors all stations so stick to the ethics of broadcasting.

Here are basic reasons why the NBC could withdraw broadcast license from any media house.

Reasons Why NBC Could Revoke Broadcast License

 

Non payment of prescribed fees after due date

If you do not pay the prescribed fees within the stipulated time your broadcast license will be revoked.

Non use of License within one year after issuance of same

When you obtain the license you’re expected to commence operations even if it is at skeletal level. If you don’t utilize the license within one year it was approved for you then the NBC will revoke it. Certainly you’re not serious.

Failure to apply and obtain Licenses with due process

If you don’t obtain your broadcast license following due process it means you’re operating illegal. Whatever license you’ve obtained will be revoked.

Engagement in activities contrary to national interest

If you’re not operating within the ethics of the profession your broadcast license will be revoked. It is not everything that you should allow to go on air. Don’t violate the NBC rules or code of broadcasting. The Code contains regulations for broadcasting in Nigeria. It expects the broadcaster to always consider what is beneficial to the audience in terms of the cultural, moral, economic, social and political values of the Nigerian people. CLICK HERE to read the CODE.

It is essential that you make sure staff of your establishment study and understand the code of broadcasting, including the NBC rules in order not to risk losing your broadcast license.

About Chinenye Nwabueze

Nwabueze is a writer with passion for cutting-edge news

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