The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has slammed a N2,000,000 fine on Arise Television over its unprofessional reporting on the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu.
Recall Arise TV had earlier reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) purportedly commenced investigation into a case of criminal forfeiture against Tinubu.
Though the Management of Arise TV later apologised over the fake report after INEC publicly dismissed it as fake, NBC said it “expects broadcasters to ensure utmost professionalism as anything contrary may have grave consequences”, hence, the reason for the fine.
In a statement signed Monday by NBC’s Director General, Balarabe Shehu, the broadcast station was compelled to pay the penalty within a period of two weeks.
“This (fake report by Arise TV) is a most unfortunate breach of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and a gross display of unprofessionalism and insensitivity by your organisation at this time of electioneering.
“Although, your station has tendered an apology to the presidential candidate of APC after the professional glitch, the Commission expects broadcasters to ensure utmost professionalism as anything contrary may have grave consequences.
“Consequently, pursuant to Section 5.1.3 of the Nigeria Broadcasting code, Arise TV is hereby sanctioned and shall pay a penalty of 2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira). Note that the penalty shall be paid within two weeks of the receipt of this letter or sanction shall be graduated,” the statement partly read.