KANO MEDIA SHAKE UP: The Landmark Ban on Live Political Programs to Ensure Responsible Broadcast by the Media Executives, to Protect State Cultural and Religious Values
By Hassan Kano
KANO STATE, NIGERIA May 8, 2025
In a decisive move aimed at fostering a more responsible and respectful media broadcast in Kano State, the media Executives has announced unanimously adopted a resolution to ban all live political programs across the electronic broadcast media outlets.
This landmark decision, emerging from a productive quarterly meeting between the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, media executives and NBC, signals a new era of entrenching a decent public discourse in the State
The initiative, which predicated on the disturbing reports of the first quarter of the year 2025, violations of the broadcast Code, compiled and presented by NBC, at a one stakeholders dialogue organized by the Nigerian Society of Broadcasters and NBC, sometimes in February, 2025, which was also attended by the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information and INTERNAL AFFAIRS, Waiya, was occupied with the growing concern of this ugly trend. Consequently, the collective resolution to pursue proactively the efforts towards curb the unhealthy practices around inflammatory content, abusive language, and defamatory remarks that could threaten the peace and social fabric of Kano.
This strategic measure is part of a broader commitment by the Media Executives in Kano State to uphold and protect the cherished cultural and religious heritage.
Speaking at this pivotal meeting which was convened by Commissioner Waiya lauded the media leadership for their existing collaboration, which he credited to a noticeable reduction in unethical content on public platforms. “Our goal is not to stifle political discourse or suppress opposition,” clarified Comrade Waiya, “but to ensure that all communication respects the sanctity of Kano’s values and protects the dignity of its people. The Forum of the Media Executives reaffirmed the commitment to continue to work towards creating an environment where messages are conveyed constructively, without resorting to defamation or acts that could tarnish the state’s reputation.”
Key Measures for a More Responsible Media Landscape:
The resolutions by the Media Executives reached at the meeting highlight the comprehensive approach, as follows:
- Ban on Live Political Broadcasts: To prevent the unchecked dissemination of potentially inflammatory statements in real-time, all live political programs are now suspended. This allows for better editorial oversight.
- Mandatory Undertaking for Guests: Anyone appearing for media interviews must now sign a formal undertaking, pledging to refrain from making abusive, defamatory, or culturally offensive statements. This places direct responsibility on individuals for their public utterances.
- Guidelines for Presenters: Media presenters are now explicitly stopped from asking provocative questions or using suggestive gestures that could bait guests into making statements capable of defaming individuals or damaging Kano State’s image. This calls for a higher degree of professionalism and sensitivity from anchors and the hosts.
- Ongoing Sensitization: The government’s commitment extends to proactive education, with sensitization programs already organized for political program presenters, media commentators, and the influential Council of Friday Imams. These programs are designed to imbue a sense of responsibility in public communication.
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