NBC Primetime Belt Policy Commended

Stakeholders in the broadcast media and the general public are beginning to commend the efforts of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) at giving more leverage to local Nigerian programmes.

Most TV stations are now complying with the policy by using talk shows, sports and local soaps on that time belt, eliciting commendations from the general public.

 For us “the change has been a fairly easy one as NBC, being what they are, had informed us about the policy, before it was made public; so we were able to make necessary adjustments,” says Stella Juniper, the assistant programmes manager, Silverbird Television.

On the part of independent TV content providers, “it is a battle won as this will give room for growth, expansion, emergence of creativity and a challenge on our own part. It will also help to resurrect the Nigerian culture which is gradually becoming extinct,” says Mr. Gregory

Odutayo, MD of Royal Roots Communications.

However, a viewer simply known as Mrs. Babalola   feels that “though I did not initially buy the idea, on second thought, I realized it is a good thing for the young who need reorientation on our values.”  NBC recently started the full enforcement of its policy that mandates all TV stations to devote the 7 to 10 pm belt to local programmes.