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The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has ordered that Internet radio and TV (web radio/TV) operators as well broadcasters who stream simultaneously online to register the online component of their broadcast separately.
The broadcast regulator has threatened to unplug internet broadcast operators this week in Abuja where it announced it has revoked the licenses of traditional broadcasters who have failed to renew their licences and are owing the NBC debts in excess of N2.6 billion.
RELATED: NBC revokes licences of AIT, Silverbird TV, 50 other broadcasters over N2.6b debt
The regulator has asked 52 traditional broadcasters to shut down operations pending when they fulfill their license fee obligations.
The affected stations include the African Independent Television (AIT), Silverbird Television (STV) and 50 other broadcasting stations owned by states governments and private ventures.
“The continued operation of the debtor stations is illegal and constitutes a threat to national security. Therefore, after due consideration, the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, hereby announces the revocation of the licenses of the underlisted debtors, and are hereby given 24 hours to shut down their stations or operations,” said Director General of the NBC, Balarabe Ilelah.
Adding: “The commission also calls on all IPTVs, Internet Protocol Televisions, and all other broadcast stations that are streaming online to register with the commission to avoid disconnection.
“Broadcasters should not doubt; having a DTT or FM licensed station does not warrant a broadcaster to stream online.
“They are two different things. They are therefore requested to come and be registered with the commission.”
Since the release of the Reviewed Broadcasting Code in 2020, online television and radio channels operating in Nigeria have come within the regulatory purvirew of the NBC as are the traditional broadcasting channels.
The Reviewed Broadcasting Code has been described by industry players as Draconian and anti-free speech.
Web broadcast is variously known as net broadcast, broadcast streaming, e-broadcast , IP broadcast, online broadcast. This is a digital broadcast service transmitted via the Internet and is also called webcasting.
There are hundreds of web broadcasters in Nigeria. They include XtrimTV Nigeria, Netacast Solutions Limited, Classiclink Technology, Rudebees NG Media, Channels Television, FMCGBuzz, Gist Nigeria ltd, Edu TV, and Galaxy Television.
