The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on Friday said it has revoked the broadcast licences of 52 stations including Silverbird TV, AIT, Raypower FM, and Rhythm FM amongst others.
The licences of the media houses were revoked over their failure to renew their broadcast licences amounting to N2.66 billion.
A statement by NBC on Friday noted that a two-week waiver was given to them in May to do so after which they risked the revocation of their broadcast licences. However, the payments have not been made 3 months after.
The commission gave the affected media houses “24 hours to shut down their operations.”
Read more: Full list of stations whose licences were revoked by NBC
NBC said, “some licensees are yet to pay their outstanding debts, in contravention of the National Broadcasting Commission Act CAP N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, particularly section 10(a) of the third schedule 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.”
NBC said the continued operation of the “debtor stations is illegal and constitutes a threat to national security”.
It called on other broadcast stations yet to renew their licences for the present duration to do so within the next 30 days to avoid sanctions.
“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.”
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
