The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has expressed concern over what it describes as a growing decline in professionalism among broadcast anchors and presenters, warning that violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code will attract sanctions as the 2027 general elections draw nearer.

In a statement issued on Friday via its official Facebook page by the Office of the Director General, Public Affairs Department and signed by management, the commission said it had observed a “disturbing departure from the core principles of broadcast journalism,” with increasing cases of ethical breaches relating to fairness, balance and neutrality.

The NBC noted that some presenters have been found to express personal opinions as factual reports, fail to provide equal representation of opposing views, and permit inflammatory or divisive content during programmes. It stressed that such practices contravene provisions of the broadcast code, which mandate accuracy, professionalism and responsible editorial conduct.

According to the commission, any anchor found to have “expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, or denied fair hearing to opposing views” would be considered to have committed a Class B breach. It further emphasised that editorial responsibility rests solely with broadcasters and cannot be transferred to programme guests, even in live broadcast situations.

The NBC said the concerns reflect a wider trend of increasing violations across news, current affairs, and political programming, noting that broadcast platforms are increasingly being used in ways that undermine their core responsibility to provide accurate and professional information to the public.

It also drew attention to the misuse of broadcast media by political actors to disseminate content capable of inciting disorder, spreading hate speech, and threatening national unity.

Reiterating its regulatory stance, the commission stated that it would enforce “strict and uncompromised compliance” with all provisions of the broadcast code, warning that inflammatory, divisive, or unverified broadcasts would attract sanctions. It added that compliance with the code remains “mandatory, not discretionary.”

As Nigeria approaches a critical electoral period, the NBC urged broadcasters to ensure responsible discourse, stressing that the airwaves must not be used to amplify tension or spread misinformation, but should serve as platforms for credible information and national cohesion.