NBC Revokes Licences of Silverbird, AIT, Rhythm FM, Others (FULL LIST)

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has withdrawn the broadcast licences of Silverbird TV, African Independent Television (AIT), Raypower FM, Rhythm FM and some other news broadcasting outlets.

The Director General Malam Balarabe Ilelah, who disclosed this on Friday, August 19, said their licences were revoked due to their failure to renew their broadcast licences.

He, thereafter, directed NBC’s state offices to liaise with security agencies to ensure the shut down of the operation of these stations within the next 24 hours.

Ilelah also noted that the stations owe a total of N2.6bn; adding that some of the stations affected have not renewed their licences since 2015.

“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,” he said.

The Director General listed other stations affected to include Zuma FM, Suleja, Niger State, Bomay Broadcasting Service Ltd., Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Gombe, Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Ondo and Rivers States Broadcasting Corporations and Stations.

He also named Katsina Broadcasting Corporation, Kaduna State Broadcasting Corporation, Jigawa Broadcasting Corporation, Kebbi State Broadcasting Corporation, Zamfara State Broadcasting Corporation and Yobe State Broadcasting Corporation.

Similarly, Ilelah said Imo State Broadcasting Corporation, Anambra State Broadcasting Corporation, Cross River State Broadcasting Corporation, Bayelsa State Broadcasting Corporation, Borno State Broadcasting Corporation and Crowther FM Abuja were among the affected stations.

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

Ilelah concluded by calling on all Internet Protocol Television and all other broadcast stations that are streaming online to register with the commission to avoid disconnection.

“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,” it added.

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