Updated: Nigerian Government Shuts Down Silverbird, AIT, Raypower, Rhythm FM, Others’

• The broadcast licences of several radio, TV stations in Nigeria have been revoked by the Federal government
• The affected stations will not be on air in the next 24 hours, and it could be longer if a solution is not found
• With debts to repay, FG have continued to express willingness to ensure revenue leakages are removed to reduce more borrowings

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has revoked Silverbird TV, AIT, Raypower FM, Rhythm FM, and many others over failure to renew their broadcast licences.

Director General of the NBC Mallam Balarabe Shehu also directed its state offices to liaise with security agencies to ensure the shut down of the operation of these stations within the next 24 hours.

The Punch quoted Shehu as saying that the affected stations owe the federal government over N2.6bn debt.

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He said:

“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."

He warned that all stations that have not renewed their licences should do so in 30 days to avoid sanction according to Vanguard Newspaper.

Shehu added:

“This is the first batch, there are those who have not renewed their licence since 2015, 2016 and 2017. We are asking them to come and pay their licence fees."

NBC boss further said the continued operation of the debtor stations is illegal and constitutes a threat to national security.

He stressed:

“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.

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“Broadcasters should note that having a DTT or FM license does not warrant a broadcaster to stream online; they are two different licences”

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Source: Legit.ng