By Saidu Idris
The Akwa Ibom State Government has called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to review the nation’s broadcast code to reflect present day realities in the country. This charge was made by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Com. Ini Ememobong when visited the Uyo Zonal Office of the NBC, on Monday.
The Commissioner commended NBC for her regulatory role in the Nigerian broadcast industry and for ensuring that media content conforms with laid down rules. He however said that there must be a clear distinction between monitoring and censorship hence the need for a review of the broadcast code to accommodate present day realities.
He emphasized that one of the hallmarks of democracy is freedom of speech, adding that alternative views should be allowed to thrive. The NBC, he said must ensure that it is not perceived as infringing upon the right of Nigerians to be heard.
The Commissioner expressed the willingness of the Akwa Ibom State Government to partner with NBC for effective reportage of news in the state which he said is fast developing as a veritable investment destination and a home for all irrespective of one’s place of origin. He explained that such partnership will provide channels of communication which can be harnessed whenever issues arise and also provide an avenue to parley with media content producers with a view to sensitizing them continually on the dos and don’ts of the industry as well as gathering their inputs for the much needed amendment of the broadcast code.
In his response, the Uyo Zonal Director of NBC, Mr. Henry Asagba expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for finding time to visit the agency, describing the visit as a sign of better things to come. He accepted the partnership offered by the State Government and reiterated NBC’s commitment to professionalism in the discharge of its duties.