Port Harcourt-Based Legal Practitioner Puts Plans in Motion to Drag NBC to Court over Award of Broadcasting Licences

FESTUS OGUCHE intends to break what he considers to be a domination of the broadcast space in Nigeria by the elite due to the award of licences to political bigwigs, military top brass and business moguls.
OGUCHE had complained about his observation in a letter to the NBC dated 21st August, in which he observed that the pattern of award of licences for radio and television stations was in breach of constitutional guarantee.
The Legal Practitioner frowned at what he considered to be outrageous charges for broadcasting licences which he said was well outside the reach of majority of Nigerians.
FESTUS OGUCHE also argued that the trend creates room for lopsided information dissemination characterized by elitist considerations, which further emasculates the poor masses and reduce their constitutionally enlarged space for free speech.
OGUCHE therefore urged the NBC to review its fee structure and place more emphasis on professionalism and excellence in the award of broadcasting licenses to enhance mass participation and constitutionally guaranteed rights.
In its response, the NBC said it was a misconception and completely misleading to suggest that broadcast license fees are outrageous and well outside the reach of majority of Nigerians.
In a letter signed by the Assistant Director, Legal, GEORGE OBI, the broadcasting commission explained that there are different categories of licences which attract different fees, according to provisions of the National Broadcasting Commission Act, 2004.
GEORGE OBI mentioned Campus FM Radio for mass communications training institutions which attracts annual fee of one million naira spread over five years, and the Community Radio category that attracts two hundred and fifty thousand naira, also spread over five years.
OBI also disclosed that commercial broadcast licences have higher fees to reflect the commercial nature and value of the frequencies, which he said are finite resources.
The NBC official maintained that as a regulatory agency, the commission’s activities are always guided by the provisions of the law, including review of licence fee, when it considers it necessary.