The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has explained the reason behind its actions against Daar Communications PLC, operator of AIT and Ray Power FM.

Igbere TV had reported that the NBC, on Thursday suspended the operating license of the broadcast station.

In a statement issued to Igbere TV on Thursday, the Director General of the NBC, Dr. Modibbo Kawu said the decision was based on the violation of the broadcasting code by the stations which is backed by provisions of Section 10 of the Third Schedule of the NBC Act Cap N11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

He said apart from violating the broadcasting code, the decision was also taken for the failure of the station to pay their license fees as when due, “even persistent warning to the company to toe the line of caution.”

The NBC boss noted that in one of their meetings with the management of DAAR Communications held on 2nd June, 2017, the commission expressed its disappointment with the way and manner hate speech, divisive and inciting comments are applied in discussion of national issues in breach of the provisions of the NBC Act and Broadcast Code, saying that the suspension stands till further notice.

Igbere TV recalls that Chairman and Founder of DAAR Communications, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi had earlier in the day embarked on a protest against what he called ‘undue intimidation and interference’ of the NBC DG, Dr. Modibbo Kawu.

According to him, in their relationship with the NBC, Daar Communications carried on, as if it is beyond the regulatory direction of the commission, even when they didn’t pay their licence fees as and when due.

But Kawu insisted that the revocation of the AIT license was principally linked to the issues regarding the operations of AIT/Raypower, particularly, Political Platform and Kakaaki aired on AIT.

Full Statement,

“Following monitoring reports and complaints from concerned Nigerians about the broadcast contents of Daar Communications Plc’s AIT/Raypower broadcast stations, the NBC have over the last 2 years summoned on several occasions management of the company to address issues regarding the operations of AIT/Raypower with the company, particularly, Political Platform and Kakaaki aired on AIT. ‘‘In one of our meetings, held on 2nd June, 2017, the Commission expressed its disappointment with the way and manner Hate Speech, divisive and inciting comments are applied in discussion of national issues in breach of the provisions of the NBC Act and Broadcast Code.

‘‘Again, on 15th August, 2017, it became imperative to invite the company for yet another meeting on almost same issues. Furthermore, while addressing another meeting on 7th February, 2018 we highlighted issues of concern to the Commission which indicated that the company had been breaching the provisions of Sections 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 of the broadcast Code. The company’s delegates in their response promised to abate the breaches and comply with the law.

‘‘However, on October 18, 2018, the Commission was disturbed with the manner in which social media issues became part of the mainstream media unedited on AIT/Raypower, and was constrained to issue a generic letter to all broadcast stations on the need to exercise caution in the use of user-generated content from the social media knowing how volatile and misleading the social media has become. The management of Daar Communication Plc thereafter took to the social media to display our official correspondences.

‘‘Recently, the Commission’s monitoring reports on AIT/Raypower indicate the use of divisive comments accredited to the segment of “Kakaaki”, tagged, “Kakaaki Social”, where inciting comments like, “Nigeria is cursed, we declare independent state of Niger Delta”, “Nigeria irritates me”, “this country is gradually Islamizing” and other similar slogans are used without editorial control in breach of the broadcast Code. We were therefore constrained to issue Daar Communication letters of warning dated May 27th, 2019.

‘‘We also observed from monitoring reports that a documentary on the Presidential Election Tribunal, a pending election petition matter aired on AIT on Wednesday and Thursday, 22nd and 23rd May, 2019 without regard to the provisions of the Broadcast Code. The Commission, in line with its regulatory powers again cautioned AIT in another letter also dated 27th May, 2019.

‘‘However, instead of making amends, the management of Daar Communications Plc resorted to the use of media propaganda against the regulator. Even the letters from the NBC were posted on social media platforms. Needless to state that Daar Communications have over the years turned themselves into a bad example of how a professional broadcast outfit should not be run.

‘‘In their relationship with the NBC, Daar Communications carry on, as if it is beyond the regulatory direction of the Commission. They don’t pay their licence fees as and when due. Its broadcast is patently partisan and one sided and deliberately inciting and heating the polity. The management of the Company has created the habit of using the channel to fight its personal battles contrary to the statutory requirements of the law.’’

‘‘Today the 6th of June, 2019, AIT/Rapower embarked on use of inflammatory, divisive, inciting broadcasts, and media propaganda against the government and, the NBC for performing its statutory functions of regulating the broadcast industry in Nigeria.

‘‘Consequently, after several meetings with management of Daar Communications Plc and many letters of warning. The NBC, today 6th June, 2019 took a decision to suspend the licence of Daar Communications Plc for failure to abide by the Commission’s directives, the provisions of the NBC Act Cap N11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

‘‘This decision is based on the provisions of Section 10 of the Third Schedule of the NBC Act Cap N11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which states as follows: where in the opinion of the Commission the station has been used in a manner detrimental to national interest; where there is wilful or repeated failure to operate substantially as set forth in the licence; where there is wilful or repeated violation or wilful or repeated failure to observe any provision of this Act or any rule or regulation of the Commission authorised by this Act or by a treaty ratified by the Federal Republic of Nigeria; where there is violation of or failure to observe any cease and desist order issued by the Commission; where a provision of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code has been seriously breached; and the SHUT DOWN order is until further notice.”

http://igberetvnews.com/752440/why-we-suspended-ait-ray-power-fm-nbc/

.

Wait oo, is it because they are owing money or because of discussion on kakakki program...


Why are they trying to cripple press freedom...


Hate speech my assss...

Abeg make i relax before they close down nairaland because of my comment....


Why am I FTC on topic like the sefff....


I for just dey below so I go fit yab some people well well...

Ok

Ok

K

Ok... Nothing concern me. Them no kuku improve service before... They shud jus scrap all of them including NTA and leave only CHANNELS. Useless stations.

Witch hunting... Nothing more

Noted!

You can get your website ready today, check my signature

Useless Gov dt hv not provided jobs bt went ahead to destroy wer som ppl r managing...Useless Country...I can commit suicide jst bc am living wt did dirty pigs n shit hole called a country...
Any APC idiot who quote me he no go better for u n ur generation till eternity...d guy I swear fr last week am very sure him family member r lookin fr solutions up n down...urs too wl be like dat

Mtchwwwwwww

This People no let me finish my , The Better Half

IgbereBlog:
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has explained the reason behind its actions against Daar Communications PLC, operator of AIT and Ray Power FM.

Igbere TV had reported that the NBC, on Thursday suspended the operating license of the broadcast station.

In a statement issued to Igbere TV on Thursday, the Director General of the NBC, Dr. Modibbo Kawu said the decision was based on the violation of the broadcasting code by the stations which is backed by provisions of Section 10 of the Third Schedule of the NBC Act Cap N11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

He said apart from violating the broadcasting code, the decision was also taken for the failure of the station to pay their license fees as when due, “even persistent warning to the company to toe the line of caution.”

The NBC boss noted that in one of their meetings with the management of DAAR Communications held on 2nd June, 2017, the commission expressed its disappointment with the way and manner hate speech, divisive and inciting comments are applied in discussion of national issues in breach of the provisions of the NBC Act and Broadcast Code, saying that the suspension stands till further notice.

Igbere TV recalls that Chairman and Founder of DAAR Communications, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi had earlier in the day embarked on a protest against what he called ‘undue intimidation and interference’ of the NBC DG, Dr. Modibbo Kawu.

According to him, in their relationship with the NBC, Daar Communications carried on, as if it is beyond the regulatory direction of the commission, even when they didn’t pay their licence fees as and when due.

But Kawu insisted that the revocation of the AIT license was principally linked to the issues regarding the operations of AIT/Raypower, particularly, Political Platform and Kakaaki aired on AIT.

Full Statement,

“Following monitoring reports and complaints from concerned Nigerians about the broadcast contents of Daar Communications Plc’s AIT/Raypower broadcast stations, the NBC have over the last 2 years summoned on several occasions management of the company to address issues regarding the operations of AIT/Raypower with the company, particularly, Political Platform and Kakaaki aired on AIT. ‘‘In one of our meetings, held on 2nd June, 2017, the Commission expressed its disappointment with the way and manner Hate Speech, divisive and inciting comments are applied in discussion of national issues in breach of the provisions of the NBC Act and Broadcast Code.

‘‘Again, on 15th August, 2017, it became imperative to invite the company for yet another meeting on almost same issues. Furthermore, while addressing another meeting on 7th February, 2018 we highlighted issues of concern to the Commission which indicated that the company had been breaching the provisions of Sections 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 of the broadcast Code. The company’s delegates in their response promised to abate the breaches and comply with the law.

‘‘However, on October 18, 2018, the Commission was disturbed with the manner in which social media issues became part of the mainstream media unedited on AIT/Raypower, and was constrained to issue a generic letter to all broadcast stations on the need to exercise caution in the use of user-generated content from the social media knowing how volatile and misleading the social media has become. The management of Daar Communication Plc thereafter took to the social media to display our official correspondences.

‘‘Recently, the Commission’s monitoring reports on AIT/Raypower indicate the use of divisive comments accredited to the segment of “Kakaaki”, tagged, “Kakaaki Social”, where inciting comments like, “Nigeria is cursed, we declare independent state of Niger Delta”, “Nigeria irritates me”, “this country is gradually Islamizing” and other similar slogans are used without editorial control in breach of the broadcast Code. We were therefore constrained to issue Daar Communication letters of warning dated May 27th, 2019.

‘‘We also observed from monitoring reports that a documentary on the Presidential Election Tribunal, a pending election petition matter aired on AIT on Wednesday and Thursday, 22nd and 23rd May, 2019 without regard to the provisions of the Broadcast Code. The Commission, in line with its regulatory powers again cautioned AIT in another letter also dated 27th May, 2019.

‘‘However, instead of making amends, the management of Daar Communications Plc resorted to the use of media propaganda against the regulator. Even the letters from the NBC were posted on social media platforms. Needless to state that Daar Communications have over the years turned themselves into a bad example of how a professional broadcast outfit should not be run.

‘‘In their relationship with the NBC, Daar Communications carry on, as if it is beyond the regulatory direction of the Commission. They don’t pay their licence fees as and when due. Its broadcast is patently partisan and one sided and deliberately inciting and heating the polity. The management of the Company has created the habit of using the channel to fight its personal battles contrary to the statutory requirements of the law.’’

‘‘Today the 6th of June, 2019, AIT/Rapower embarked on use of inflammatory, divisive, inciting broadcasts, and media propaganda against the government and, the NBC for performing its statutory functions of regulating the broadcast industry in Nigeria.

‘‘Consequently, after several meetings with management of Daar Communications Plc and many letters of warning. The NBC, today 6th June, 2019 took a decision to suspend the licence of Daar Communications Plc for failure to abide by the Commission’s directives, the provisions of the NBC Act Cap N11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

‘‘This decision is based on the provisions of Section 10 of the Third Schedule of the NBC Act Cap N11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which states as follows: where in the opinion of the Commission the station has been used in a manner detrimental to national interest; where there is wilful or repeated failure to operate substantially as set forth in the licence; where there is wilful or repeated violation or wilful or repeated failure to observe any provision of this Act or any rule or regulation of the Commission authorised by this Act or by a treaty ratified by the Federal Republic of Nigeria; where there is violation of or failure to observe any cease and desist order issued by the Commission; where a provision of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code has been seriously breached; and the SHUT DOWN order is until further notice.”

http://igberetvnews.com/752440/why-we-suspended-ait-ray-power-fm-nbc/

.

see you in court.

AIT, NBC, APC, PDP all of you are mad.

The same NBC that is building Radio Station for Fulani Jihadist herdsmen whom have killed over 6,000 Nigerians since 2015.
None of the jihadist have been arrested and prosecuted.

Sad

hmmmm

where will all the employees go to now
for this next level period wey every where tight


it won't be easy for those that dont have a back up job

u failed to tell us dat the apc are the major reason of the suspension

Here to read news

Ok. Because they said Nigeria is cursed that's why you take their license abi okwaya. May your generations be like Nigeria in Jesus Name Amen. This country be like country wey dey blessed. God punish all of una for there.

---

Good one. It's a step in the right direction. It shows we still have a government in Nigeria. Nigerians are too lawless for my liking.

By the way, I had no idea Daar Comm/AIT still existed. I thought they had followed the way of Dinosaur due to alleged months of indebtedness to its workers.

Kudos to NBC for not allowing a section of Nigerians intimidate them into compromising their codes

Ok naa

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Completely embarrassing...

These NBC fellows think they are talking to fools...

Very good for Daar communications.

Go to court sir.

I. may not like Raymond Dokpsi as person, but all lovers of pur democracy should not allow the FGN under PMBto get away with this.
Once you attempt to block the voice of opposition, you are indirectly inviting unconventional way of dissemination of information and that can mean falsehood which is extremely dangerous for our democracy..

Mr.president and APC should remember that they rode to power through the power of unhindered media by GEJ administration., imagine if GEJ Admin decided to find fault with the leadi g pro APC TV stations in the country before 2015 election and suspended thier operating licence? Would it have been easy gor APC to win? Opposition voice is critical for democracy to thrive. The promoter and Management of AIT may be bad operator to regulate, but that is where maturity is required on the part government and NBC.

Ait is long overdue sef, A stagnated Tv station not known for growth, Just stagnated on mediocre reportage and trying to stay relevant by helping the PDP capitulate thier goals back in the day. Now that pdp is history, They have been struggling to stay afloat. They sold shares back in the day but no one person who ever bought that share ever got dividend. They have been struggling since then.

NBC.... This is a step too far.. the reign of PMB.. will surly come to an end... whether u like it or not... they are ways to deal with issues.. dont create a monster that will swallow you..

Criticism is allowed in Democracy...Trump is 10 ten times better than what we have yet he is dealing with it... Use your brains.. Dont Forget.. its just another 4yrs if God allows it to be completed..... It will come and still pass.. .



I think this country needs to be recolonized..

No wonder... The Black race..

Useless nation

Isinweke:
The same NBC that is building Radio Station for Fulani Jihadist herdsmen whom have killed over 6,000 Nigerians since 2015.
None of the jihadist have been arrested and prosecuted.

You're too big for all these lies and hatred for a tribe and ethnic group. Responsible people won't buy it. We keep demonising an entire lawful ethnic group for our selfish gain.

The license was given to National Commission for Nomadic Education under Fed Min of Education. It's not only the Fulani that are Nomads, most Ijaws are Nomads. It will benefit all. See the positive side of govt decisions.

As a Christians, we are more hypocrite than non-Christians

We know the truth..
But prefer lies.