Following their failure to pay-off licences fee worth about N2.66b the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has yanked Silverbird TV, Rhythm FM, AIT, Raypower FM, and 48 other broadcasters off the air.
The NBC said on Friday morning that the affected stations were given a two-week period to pay up and renew their licences, but they failed to meet up. It said this was the second notification given to the broadcasters after they were reminded in May.
“Some licensees are yet to pay their outstanding debts, in contravention of the National Broadcasting Commission Act CAP N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, particularly section 10(a) of the third schedule of the Act.
“Therefore, after due consideration, NBC hereby announces the revocation of the licenses of the…stations and gives them 24 hours to shut down their operations. Our offices nationwide are hereby directed to collaborate with security agencies to ensure immediate compliance,” said the NBC in a statement.
It urged the affected stations not to stream online.
“The Commission also calls on all IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) and all other broadcast stations that are streaming online to register with the Commission to avoid disconnection,” it added.
“Broadcasters should note that having a DTT or FM license does not warrant a broadcaster to stream online; they are two different licences.”