The face-off between the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC and DAAR Communications Plc., owners of Africa Independent Television, AIT and Ray Power FM, has been resolved.
This followed a meeting of both parties in the conflict convened by the Nigerian Press Organisation, NPO.
Recall that the NBC, had last week suspended the Broadcast License of DAAR Communications Plc.
According to a statement issued by Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, THISDAY / ARISE Group, President NPAN and President NPO, at the meeting, which took place about 8:p.m on Sunday, the NBC reiterated its commitment to freedom of expression and the constitutionally guaranteed role of the media under sections 22 and 39 to hold governments accountable by upholding the fundamental objectives contained in the 1999 constitution.
It, however, raised concerns about the non-adherence of the DAAR Communications group to the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, despite repeated interactions on same, citing lack of editorial balance by company as well as the lingering issue of non-payment of national network license fees as examples.
On its part, DAAR Communications Plc. defended its position, saying it allows its team freedom to make editorial commentary on issues of the day relying on Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution guaranteeing freedom of expression, freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas without interference.
It also said it had made some payments to the NBC, but acknowledged that there were some defaults in the payment plan they submitted to the commission.
It further explained that the defaults were due to decisions jointly reached at Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON, meetings by all broadcasters to engage and renegotiate the cost of license fees with NBC, in view of the current difficult economic realities affecting the industry.
But the NBC insisted that license fees were statutory and thus non-negotiable.
The meeting hosted by elders and patrons of NPO, Ismaila Isa Funtua and Uncle Sam Amuka, also had the following in attendance: Ishaq Modibbo -Kawu – Director General & CEO, NBC; Raymond Dokpesi, Founder and Chairman Emeritus, DAAR Communications Plc; Raymond Dokpesi, jnr, Chairman of the Board, DAAR Communications PLC; Mr Tony Akiotu, GMD, DAAR Communications Plc and Mrs. Tosin Dokpesi , MD, AIT.
Others were: Mr. Donatus Anopuo – Company Secretary DAAR Communications Plc and Nduka Obaigbena, President NPAN and President NPO.
At the end of the meeting, the statement, said all parties resolved among others that DAAR Communications Plc. should work out a new realistic payment plan with the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC and ensure prompt payments in accordance with the new plan; appoint an Ombudsman to ensure balance in its news coverage especially political commentary and also take full editorial responsibility for the use of content sourced from social media outlets.
It was also agreed that following the release of the NPO statement, the NBC would immediately lift the suspension of the broadcast license of DAAR Communications Plc while DAAR Communications Plc. would withdraw its case in court, against the Commission and that all parties would take necessary steps to work together to build confidence in the public interest.
