FIBAN pleads for reopening of Ekiti radio, TV stations

Independent broadcasters have pleaded with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to re-open the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State (BSES) which has been shut down for the past one month. The broadcasters under the aegis of Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), lamented that the continued closure of the broadcasting stations has unleashed economic […]

Independent broadcasters have pleaded with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to re-open the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State (BSES) which has been shut down for the past one month.

The broadcasters under the aegis of Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), lamented that the continued closure of the broadcasting stations has unleashed economic hardship on them and denied them of their daily livelihood.

FIBAN appealed to NBC and relevant stakeholders to re-open Ekiti State Television (EKTV) and Ekiti 91.5 FM to keep them in business and allow for more choices by viewers and listeners.

The NBC shut the stations on July 14 following alleged serial breach of broadcasting code and unethical practices and further imposed a fine of N500,000 for breaching the broadcasting code.

The station was closed down after Governor Ayo Fayose reportedly announced the result of the last governorship poll when collation was still ongoing.

FIBAN in a communiqué issued at the end of their elders council meeting held in Ado-Ekiti and signed by the chairman, Prince Dada Adeniyi and the secretary, Pastor Dr Adebayo Olowookere, said, the closure of the state owned broadcast stations has caused a lot of setback to the economic situation of their members and the state at large.

“The FIBAN elders council has also joined the three other sister unions which include NUJ, BSES, RATTAWU, and NUCCSAW in appealing to the NBC to please reopen the stations without further delay.”