Legal Regime of Broadcasting Media in Nigeria

Introduction

The Nigeria Constitution articulates on paper one of the most comprehensive statement of goals of nationhood and commitment to Human Rights. The Fundamental Objective and Directive Principle of State Policy (which set out aims and obligations of Government) in Chapter 11and the Fundamental Rights provisions in chapter 1V incorporates every article (1-30) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. One cannot wish for a more inspiring vision of nationhood. Thus respect for Fundamental Human Rights, including freedom of expression is guaranteed.

However prolonged kleptocratic military rule since the Country’s independence in 1960 and the cumulative impact of persistent economic stagnation due to bad governance and corruption over the years have had a disastrous consequence not only on the people but also on the country’s standing in global economy. The troubled political and economic history and negative reporting in international media has tended to obscure positive changes which have been taking place since the present democratic dispensation began in 1999. Nigeria is undoubtedly a challenging business environment, but the potential rewards are phenomenal.

Since the return to constitutional democracy and in response to the imperatives of the globalization, the new theme of development strategies include the privatization of public enterprises and liberalization of the Capital Market as engine of growth and efficiency in the public sector. With increased global demand for performing and fast growing emerging market securities, the opportunities for Nigeria are awesome.

The media is a veritable watch dog of society and government. It brings the world to us with succor and interest and makes the world hear us with delight and reciprocity. Indeed in modern categorizations of government powers and influence, the media is referred to as the Fourth Estate of the Realm. Understanding the law is essential for anyone working in the media, whether as journalist, editor or producer and in both print and electronic media. In the 1990s, the media industry was revolutionized by what became known as ‘multi-media’ products and ‘information super highway’. All traditional forms of publishing are now stored and transmitted in new media formats. The rapidly changing world of media presents the law with new challenges.

Legal Regime

The Nigerian Constitutions provides in Section 39 for the right to freedom o f expression and the press. The provisions ensures the freedom of speech as well as hold opinion; The right to be educated and to educate others and impart ideas and information without censor or inhibition.