The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on Thursday suspended the licence of Human Rights Radio, the host of Brekete family, for “recurring unprofessional conduct”.
Ahmad Isah, the proprietor of the radio station, was seen slapping a lady accused of setting her brother’s daughter on fire, in a BBC Africa Eye documentary,
The BBC revealation sparked mixed reactions both on traditional and social media.
Isah, popularly known as ‘ordinary president’, apologized for his action, the NBC summoned him to explain the circumstances behind the incident.
The NBC in statement on Thursday said it met with the Brekete Family show host on May 26, and “has reviewed the events and notes unreserved apologies and regrets expressed by the broadcaster”.
“It is important to state that the commission has, over the years, advised, cautioned, warned, and fined the station over repeated cases of outright abuse, denigrating remarks, intimidation, and flagrant abuse of ethics of the fairness, balance, fair hearing on the station,” the statement said.
“It is also on record that the commission had conducted several training and retraining programmes for the station and the host of the Brekete Family programme especially.
“The commission has therefore in line with the sanction provisions in 15.5.2 of the broadcasting code, ordered the suspension of licence of the broadcaster, until the broadcaster commits to ethical and professional broadcasting. The suspension order is effective from Monday the 31st of May 2021, at 12am.
“The order shall last 30 days during which it is expected that the broadcaster will put its house in order and attune itself to responsive, professional, and responsible broadcasting.
“It shall also pay a recommencement fee of as provided for in section 15.5.1 of the broadcasting code at the end of the suspension period.”
