NBC Orders Shutdown Of AIT, STV, Radio Kwara , OSBC , 48 Others For Failing To Pay License Renewal Fees

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on Friday announced decision to  revoke the licences of AIT, Silverbird TV, Raypower FM,  Rhythm FM, MITV, and broadcasting stations belonging to twenty one states including Lagos, Osun, Jigawa, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara and Kogi .

It was however confirmed that only Radio Kwara was affected while Kwara state Television was spared.

NBC said the licenses of the affected 52 media  organizations  were revoked  because they failed to take necessary steps to get their licenses renewed.

  Team@orientactualmags.com learned they owe the NBC N2.66 billion.

Director General of the NBC ,Mallam Balarabe Shehu had since  directed state offices of the agency  to liaise with security agencies to ensure the shutdown of the operation of the affected  stations  within 24 hours.

 NBC also  said in a statement on Friday that the steps taken was sequel to the publication of a list of stations yet to renew their licences.

 The commission added  that a two-week waiver was given to broadcast stations in May, after which they risked the revocation of their broadcast licences.

 The NBC said  some of the media organizations were yet to pay their outstanding debts three months after the publication adding that this was  in contravention of the National Broadcasting Commission Act CAP N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, particularly section 10(a) of the third schedule of the Act.

‘Therefore, after due consideration, NBC hereby announces the revocation of the licenses of the…stations and gives them 24 hours to shut down their operations. Our offices nationwide are hereby directed to collaborate with security agencies to ensure immediate compliance’ the statement said..

The NBC added that  allowing continuing operations at the affected  stations ‘is illegal and constitutes a threat to national security’.

Meanwhile, the commission has called on other broadcast stations yet to renew their licences for the present duration to meet up within the next 30 days to avoid sanctions.

‘The Commission also calls on all IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) and all other broadcast stations that are streaming online to register with the Commission to avoid disconnection.

Broadcasters should note that having a DTT or FM license does not warrant a broadcaster to stream online; they are two different licences’  the statement submitted- Team@orientactualmags.com
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