The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has announced plans to introduce tougher criteria for the issuance and retention of broadcast licenses in a bid to curb speculation in the industry.
NBC Director-General, Mr. Charles Ebubu, disclosed this at a two-day Broadcast and Digital Media Convention in Lagos.
He said the commission would no longer allow individuals or organizations to secure licenses and hold them for commercial purposes without actually broadcasting.
“There are currently 808 TV and radio licenses issued across the country,” Ebubu said. “We are determined to ensure that these licenses are used strictly for their intended purpose — broadcasting.”
The commission is drafting new policies to promote industry growth, ensure optimal license utilization, and hold broadcasters accountable.
The Executive Secretary of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, highlighted challenges facing the sector.
He stressed the need for deliberate funding support for local content production, warning that inadequate funding hampers quality output.
Bamgbose also called for better remuneration for broadcasters, noting that low pay directly impacts content quality.
On technology adoption, he pointed to the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in broadcasting but admitted that many practitioners lack hands-on knowledge.
BON, he said, plans to organize practical AI training sessions to equip broadcasters with the skills to integrate AI tools into their work.
Reporting by Chioma Ezike