Broadcast stations have been advised to turn down adverts, gingles or promos that could incite people or political parties against one another during electioneering campaigns as they are to be held liable by the regulatory bodies.
This was part of the recommendations at the closing ceremony of a two-day workshop with the theme “Broadcast Ecology and Politics in Nigeria” organised by the National Broadcasting Commission in Lagos.
The participants suggested that advertisers with inciting contents that are not ready to amend should not only be reported to the appropriate regulatory bodies but also have their adverts rejected for the peaceful coexistence of the country.
They also called on the government to amend the act establishing the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, to be autonomous.
The communique while calling for more sensitisation programmes that will curtail the spread of hate speeches in the upcoming 2023 general elections, advised broadcast stations to engage qualified and competent staff in line with the UNESCO standard of the industry.
The two-day workshop was attended by the heads of broadcast outfits from across the country, scholars, security agencies and other stakeholders in the electoral process in the country.
RN