The Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, has expressed grave concern over the reported threat by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, NBC, to sanction broadcast presenters for allegedly presenting personal opinions as facts or for bullying guests on air.
The concern of the guild was expressed on Tuesday in a statement by its president, Mr. Eze Anaba, and the general secretary, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh.
“We consider such a move dangerous and injurious to journalism. It amounts to a direct assault on the principles of press freedom, editorial independence and democratic accountability,” the NGE stated.
It warned that the Nigerian press would not be intimidated in the face of any threat as it would carry out its duties diligently.
It argued that while it acknowledged that the NBC might be motivated by a desire to promote professionalism and uphold ethical standards in broadcasting, the commission’s vague and broadly worded statement was open to multiple interpretations.
Such ambiguity, it stated, created room for misuse, as it might be selectively applied or misinterpreted in ways that unfairly targetted journalists and media organisations carrying out their legitimate duties.
It said the interpretation of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across News, Current Affairs, and Political Programmes was inherently subjective.
The guild said by positioning itself as the sole arbiter regarding rigorous questioning or appropriate scrutiny, the NBC opened the door to potential abuse.
“This approach risks weaponizing the broadcasting code to induce self-censorship among broadcasters, stifle legitimate journalistic inquiry, and silence critical voices.
“We reiterate that the role of broadcast presenters and journalists, particularly during interviews, is to ask probing questions, challenge inconsistencies, and demand clarity in the public interest. Journalism is not designed to place public officials or interviewees in a comfort zone, but to hold power accountable,” the NGE said.
It posited that as the country moved closer to another election cycle, there was no better time for the media to intensify its watchdog role than now.
The scrutiny of political actors, it reasoned, was essential as “citizens rely on the media for accurate and comprehensive information to make informed decisions and carry out their civic responsibilities.”
That responsibility, it said, demanded that journalists asked tough, even uncomfortable, questions in the public interest.
“While we acknowledge the need for professionalism and civility in broadcasting, we must not lose sight of a fundamental truth: Democracy does not thrive on timid journalism, but on bold, responsible, and fact-driven interrogation of issues and personalities.
“Journalists are not lawbreakers. They are trained professionals guided by enduring ethical standards, including the principle that ‘comment is free, but facts are sacred.’
“We therefore urge regulatory bodies to operate within clearly defined, transparent, and fair frameworks that do not undermine the independence of the media.
“The NBC must demonstrate impartiality and restraint, carefully distinguishing between genuine misconduct and the rightful exercise of journalistic duty.”
The NGE said the Nigerian press would not be intimidated in the face of any threat as it would rmain committed to discharging its duties.
“In the face of such threats, the Nigerian press will not be intimidated. We remain resolute in our commitment to ask tough questions, report facts, and provide analysis without fear or favour,” the NGE declared.
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