RATTAWU urges NBC to rescind revocation of licenses of 52 broadcast stations

The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU),  has appealed to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), to rescind the  revocation of licenses of 52 broadcast stations.

Mr Akpausoh Akpausoh, general secretary of the union, said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, yesterday.

NBC, had on Friday revoked the licenses of the AIT/Ray Power FM (DAAR Communication L.td., Silverbird TV Network and 50 other stations over N2.6 billion debts.

Akpausoh, however, described the action by the NBC as untimely.

“Information is the oxygen of democracy. This truism has stood the test of time and in all climes. Therefore, Nigeria cannot be an exception.

“It is on the basis of the above that Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) has no other option, but to advise the NBC.

“The commission has the unreserved constitutional right to revoke the licenses of Radio and Television stations that have not done the needful.

“However, the prevailing climate makes such an action untimely and fraught with grave consequences.

“This is because, most of these stations were yet to recover from the COVID-19 shock,” he said.

Akpausoh also recalled that during the lockdown, these stations bravely to sustained their services.

He said RATTAWU had earlier made a case that broadcast stations be given special COVID-19 palliative considering the laudable roles they play in the society.

“Just after the lifting of the COVID-19 lock-down, there was an unexpected hike in the prices of diesel. Most of these stations rely on  diesel to operate due to epileptic power supply from the DISCOS.

“This is an issue that is, at best, an unbecoming situation to the nation. From the foregoing, it is needless to say that the broadcast environment is not healthy and friendly.

“Therefore, decisions that affect the broadcast environment should be taken with absolute guidance and consideration. The action of NBC is unilateral. It is not a product of stakeholders of the broadcast industry. Therefore, it stands to be half clever,”he said.

The general secretary said that lack of payment of license fees can never be tantamount to threat to national security.

“Rather, contents of the broadcast stations were what would constitute threats to national security.”