NBC Seeks Fresh Appeal Over Voided Broadcast Fines

The National Broadcasting Commission has asked the Court of Appeal in Abuja for another chance to challenge a ruling that stopped it from imposing monetary fines on broadcast stations.

The commission is seeking permission to file a fresh appeal and an extension of time after its earlier move against the judgment was struck out. The dispute goes back to a Federal High Court decision that said the NBC could not act as complainant, prosecutor and judge when sanctioning broadcasters.

The case was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda. The organisation argued that the regulator lacked judicial powers to impose fines and that the practice breached fair-hearing rules.

The lower court agreed and set aside fines imposed on several television and radio stations. It also restrained the NBC from imposing similar fines in future.

In the new application, the commission is asking the appeal court to allow it to file its appeal properly. Media Rights Agenda is opposing the request and says the NBC has not given sufficient reasons for the delay.

The outcome could affect how broadcast sanctions are handled in Nigeria, especially where regulators rely on financial penalties against stations accused of breaching the broadcast code.

Sources: Punch, Premium Times