Broadcasting
Angst as NBC Defends Controversial Broadcasting Code
Operators and experts are expressing anger and frustration over the provisions of the 6th edition of the Broadcasting Code Amendment as issued by National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), that summarily outlaws exclusivity and makes investing in original content a waste of resources, fundamentally.
Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, acting director-general of NBC
The NBC has however insisted that the broadcasting Code is to protect local operators, promote creativity and maximise local contents.
But the operators which the NBC claims to be protecting said the government agency’s plan is tantamount to “turning private enterprises into state property”.
Under the new code, NBC requires that all online broadcasters to be with it, prevent PayTV and streaming platforms from making content exclusive and compel them to sub-license content at prices it will regulate.
Jason Njoku, chief executive officer, iRokoTV, one of the top PayTV platforms in Nigeria, warned that the new law, if implemented, will destroy PayTV in Nigeria and alleged that NBC in compelling sub-licensing of content & regulating price, would effectively turn a private enterprise into state property.
Njoku said, “Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in making exclusivity illegal, compelling sub-licensing of content & regulating price, are effectively turning the private enterprise into state property. Interference Distorts Markets. If implemented this 100% destroys PayTV in Nigeria.
“This our champagne socialism & zero input style of policymaking is the reason Nigeria is stunted in everything. I invest billions naira in content then I am compelled to share with everyone else as NBC sets the price. Why? Dark forces or incompetence is at play here. Ridiculous.”
He explained that if Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are to fight, and it is to be shown in Nigeria, that means the equivalent of 30% of the license costs need to be invested in an equivalent local sport. “Who will pay for that?” he inquired.
Also, Paradigm Initiative said the Code might set back innovation in the country’s digital space.
According the Paradigm Initiative, “The internet space in Nigeria is developing and innovation is to be encouraged,”.
“However, policies like this can greatly discourage the development of technology and technology-based services thereby creating an unfavourable environment for the kind of economic growth that is relevant in this age.” It said.
Elsewhere, Ayobami Oyeleke, policy expert and a lawyer explained that the NBC, which was created by a military decree in 1992 and later became an Act of the Nigerian National Assembly to regulate Nigeria’s broadcast industry, does not have the power to regulate copyrights of others.
He said that Nigeria’s Copyright Act allows a content producer to grant to distributors and that the NBC has no legal right to determine who shares what content or even fix certain prices.
He said, “The agency cannot correct a wrong with another wrong. For such code to be a success, it must approach the National Assembly to amend the Copyright Act. After three readings, the committee would hold a public hearing in that regard before that is done.”
Tosan Igbene, a content creator, also warned that the code may truncate Mo Abudu’s Netflix deal and many others in the works.
He said: “Since the code prohibits exclusivity, it means that whatever EbonyLife TV produces could end up on other platforms. That will negate the exclusive agreement. Importantly too, Netflix will hesitate at the prospect of the NBC determining what price it should charge as sub-licencing fees. The fact is that these sections and the whole code, as well as produced without stakeholders’ consultation will kill the Nigerian broadcasting industry.”
Boye Dare, another content creator, contended that no investor will fold its arms and watch a regulation jeopardise its investments.
“Netflix are here for business and they will not like anything that threatens their well-being. The NBC Code seeks to legislate on when and whom to sell to as well as the price. The code is a threat to the partnership with EbonyLive TV and of course, Nollywood,” Dare said.
But Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, acting director-general of NBC, said that the Code Amendment is to protect local operators, promote creativity and maximise local contents.
Idachaba, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, that the amendment would benefit the media industry in the country as well as attract foreign investments in the digital space.
According to him, the amendment which is without bias will checkmate monopolistic and anti/competitive behavior and by extension enhance the local creative industry.
“The objectives behind the amendment is key and pivotal to the development of broadcasting in Nigeria and the reform of the industry.
“However, while the NBC acknowledge the mixed reactions by some interests to the release of the amendment, we consider them strategic and healthy for the growth and development of the broadcast industry in Nigeria.
“I want to sincerely commend those who have intellectualised and enriched the discourse with incisive and decent arguments both for and against.
TVC News has broken new ground in Nigeria’s media space with the launch of the country’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) news presenters.
Rolled out in May 2025, the AI anchors will deliver news bulletins in English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Pidgin, reflecting the broadcaster’s commitment to technological advancement and linguistic inclusion.
The initiative is designed to enhance news delivery by supporting human journalists, not replacing them.
TVC Communications, the parent company of TVC News, described the development as a milestone in its efforts to integrate cutting-edge technology into broadcast journalism.
“We are thrilled to pioneer this innovation in Nigeria’s media industry,” said Victoria Ajayi, chief executive officer, TVC Communications.
“Our AI news anchors represent a new era in news reporting, and this move underscores our dedication to using technology as a tool for growth and progress.”
Ajayi clarified that the AI-generated content will undergo thorough editorial review.
“Trained journalists and editors will assess every output to ensure it meets our standards of accuracy, balance, and credibility,” she noted.
In response to concerns about the potential misuse of AI, the organisation said it had established rigorous editorial safeguards, including watermarking and verification protocols. It also reaffirmed its adherence to the Nigerian Broadcasting Code and journalistic ethics.
With this launch, TVC News has become a trailblazer in AI-assisted journalism in Africa, setting a bold example for future media innovation across the continent.
FXTM Academy recently hosted the Pedal for Progress charity cycling event, bringing together 200 participants from cities across Nigeria, including Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Lagos.
Held on Saturday, April 19, the competition featured six race categories—Professional Male, Professional Female, Junior Male, Junior Female, Veteran Male, and Veteran Female—allowing cyclists of all skill levels to compete.
The race began at 8:00 a.m., with Juniors completing 10 laps, Veterans tackling 14 laps, and Professionals racing 20 laps, each lap spanning 2.8 kilometers.
Participants competed for significant cash prizes, with winners in the Professional categories receiving ₦800,000, ₦500,000, ₦300,000, and ₦200,000, while those finishing 5th to 15th place earned ₦50,000 each. Junior and Veteran winners also received substantial rewards.
Spectators and participants praised FXTM Academy for fostering unity, sportsmanship, and talent development, with many eagerly anticipating future events.
The academy emphasized its commitment to empowering communities and promoting values such as perseverance, discipline, endurance, and continuous improvement.
FXTM Academy’s Country Representative, Kelechi Ehibudu, highlighted the academy’s dedication to blending sport, charity, and empowerment, setting a new benchmark for community-focused initiatives in Nigeria.
Broadcasting
Davido Unites Superfans in Lagos for Exclusive 5IVE Album Experience, Powered by Spotify
To celebrate the release of his fifth studio album, 5IVE Davido hosted a select group of superfans and media at Ona Restaurant in Lagos for an exclusive meet-and-greet, presented by Spotify.
The event offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the Afrobeats superstar, with 50 lucky fans and 5 media partners given the chance to connect with the artist in an intimate setting.
Rather than handing out invitations, Spotify put fans to the test, requiring them to pass a five-question quiz on Davido’s music to earn a spot at the roundtable. Once inside, attendees were treated to an afternoon of music, conversation, and surprises. The event was hosted by Ireculture, who set the tone with her infectious energy, while SmallztheDJ kept the vibe going with smooth, Afrobeats-driven selections.
In true Davido fashion, a playful twist took centre stage: after teasing his absence, the artist made a dramatic, surprise entrance, sending fans into a frenzy. The moment was a perfect reflection of Davido’s personality – engaging, unpredictable, and larger-than-life.
Victor Okapala, Spotify’s Artist and Label Partnerships lead for West Africa, noted, “This event is a testament to the power of music to bring fans and artists closer together. Working with Davido on the release of 5IVE highlights the energy surrounding Afrobeats globally, and the deep connection we see between the artist and his fans.”
The event’s highlight was a close-knit roundtable conversation, where fans shared their love for 5IVE, with “10 Kilo” emerging as an early favourite. Each guest left with a gift box featuring five fashion items from Nigerian streetwear brand Severe Nature, who also designed the official 5IVE merch.
Reflecting on his journey, Davido shared, “When you see artists like Beyoncé, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Rihanna, you realise the work it takes to get there. This time, I wanted to go all out, and I’m seeing the results.”
Spotify data underscores Davido’s growing global influence. In the past 12 months, his music has been added to over 12 million playlists worldwide.
The artist’s reach spans key markets including Nigeria, the U.S., U.K., South Africa, and France, with 34% of his listeners aged 18-24 and 41% aged 25-34.
As 5IVE continues to captivate listeners, this intimate event further solidified Davido’s position as one of Afrobeats’ leading voices, fostering a deeper connection between him and his dedicated fanbase.
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