Mind how you report herdsmen crisis, NBC cautions media houses

Media houses in the country have been directed to cautiously report herdsmen crisis particularly in Ondo and Oyo states.

The National Broadcasting Commission in a statement dated January 26 invoked certain provisions of its code (Sections 5.4.1 (a b&f) and 5.4.3), urging media houses and broadcasters present news up to professional standards, as well as refrain from spreading information that it deems divisive.

“The National Broadcasting Commission wishes to bring to your attention emerging trends of national concern like the herdsmen crisis in Ondo and Oyo states and related issues which could spiral out of proportion if not properly handled,” the regulatory body said.

“The commission, therefore, seizes this opportunity to admonish broadcasters on the need to exhibit professionalism and observe required caution in the coverage and presentation of the quit notice to herdsmen and related issues,” it added.

The NBC founded during the military era to further fascist policies, had last year fined local broadcast stations for allegedly erring in their reportage of the #EndSARS protest.