Nigeria: the announced suspension of 53 radio and television channels causes an outcry
Faced with heavy criticism, the National Audiovisual Commission finally decided to grant more time to the media concerned, which are still broadcasting for the moment.
(illustration image) © CC0 Pixabay/Thomas Meier
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
Two organizations filed a complaint on Wednesday in Nigeria, targeting both the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and President Muhammadu Buhari, to prevent the closure of more than 50 radio and television stations in the country. .
The regulator explained that these are in the illegality, because they did not renew their authorization of diffusion, and posed an ultimatum to them.
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With our correspondent in Lagos,
Liza Fabbian
The announced suspension of 53 radio and television channels has provoked a tornado of reactions in Nigeria.
Several unions and organizations have denounced an “
ill-advised
” or even “
unacceptable
” decision by the regulator – as well as the “
lack of transparency
” of the authorities.
The president of the National Audiovisual Commission (NBC) nevertheless assures that this measure has "
nothing political
".
At a press conference in Abuja last Friday, he explained that the broadcasters concerned did not renew their license on time.
Their debt would amount to more than six million euros in total according to him.
He gave them 24 hours to pay their dues or stop broadcasting.
Faced with heavy criticism, the National Audiovisual Commission finally decided to grant more time to the media concerned, which are still broadcasting for the moment.
To prevent their closure, two organizations on Wednesday filed a lawsuit, arguing that such action would represent an obstacle to freedom of expression and information for millions of Nigerians.
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