TechEconomy reported earlier that President-elect, Bola Tinubu had written to the regulator over a breach of conduct by the TV station.

However, in a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the television station and dated March 27, the fine was formally served.

The letter, with the title: “Broadcast of an Inciting Interview, A Sanction”, was signed by Balarabe Ilelah, the commission’s Director-General.

It read in part, “The NBC monitored the broadcast of a live interview of the running mate of the Labour Party Vice presidential candidate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, by the anchor of Politics Today, Seun Okibaloye, on Wednesday, March 22.

“Dr. Baba-Ahmed said it will be unconstitutional to swear in an elected president on May 29, 2023, because of election irregularities.”

He noted that the broadcast was volatile and capable of inciting public disorder, violating some sections of the broadcasting code.

“Consequently, on the following infractions, Channels Television is hereby sanctioned and shall pay a penalty of N5,000,000 (five million nairas) only in the first instance,” he said.

He added that any further infraction by the television station would attract higher sanctions.

“You are advised to pay within two weeks from the day of receipt of this letter or the penalty will be graduated,” the NBC Director-General said.

They raised this concern after the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) decision to shut down no fewer than 50 broadcast stations nationwide for failing to pay their license renewal fees.

The Guild’s President, Mustapha Isah, and General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, stated this worry in a statement on Friday.

The editors explained that several broadcast stations are just managing to survive in the midst of the high competition in the industry following the licensing of hundreds of more stations by NBC.

The NGE tasked the NBC to enter into dialogue with the affected stations to restructure the debts owed and work out a convenient payment period to ensure their survival.

The professional organization for all Nigerian editors stated that, if the action is not stopped, it will result in the loss of thousands of jobs in a nation where employment opportunities are limited.

“The NGE is worried because media houses, which played and continue to play a key role in the nurturing and development of democracy, can’t just be off air no matter the reasons.”

“While the Guild is not against broadcast stations fulfilling their financial obligations to NBC, we note that the current harsh operating environment that has crippled every sector in our nation was not taken into account by NBC before its action.”

“Currently, it is difficult for private stations to import broadcast equipment due to the high exchange rate. We are all aware of the high operational costs, including the cost of diesel to power their generating sets,” the NGE stated.