Okoroji describes new broadcast code as unworkable, unenforceable
Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Tony Okoroji, has added his voice to the stakeholders in the creative and broadcast industries calling for a revisit of the recently amended 6th edition of the National Broadcasting Code.
Okoroji made the call while speaking on News Scope with Patrick Doyle, Silverbird Television’s flagship public affairs programme and The Morning Show on Arise News.
Okoroji stated objective of the code increasing Nigerians’ participation in the creation and dissemination of broadcast content, is commendable.
He, however, hinted that the amendments to code have been drafted in a way that makes them unworkable and unenforceable, as they carry the potential for unending litigation and risk for significant divestment from the creative space.
He explained that the drafters of the code may have acted ultra vires, as they appear to be minded to place a subsidiary legislation above the constitution, which implies an attempt to usurp the powers of the National Assembly to make laws.
The COSON chief pointed out that some provisions of the code may be unconstitutional, notably those on content exclusivity, advertising and payment of royalties for musical works and sound recordings.
He opined that the drafters also seek to treat the rights of parties in to a contract to agree on their terms with indifference.
Okoroji added that the NBC did not take input from many key stakeholders, who will be impacted by the code, before or during the amendment process, which took place when movement was restricted by the COVID-19 lockdown.
Speaking on the Morning Show on Arise News, Okoroji disclosed that he suspects that the hold that MultiChoice has on the English Premiership is driving some of the provisions in the revised code.
He advised that some Nigerian broadcasting stations should pull their resources together and challenge MultiChoice rather than going it alone.
He admonished the recent penchant of Nigerians to attack Nigerian companies with foreign origins, stressing that such may lead to serious divestment in Nigeria and massive loss of jobs held by Nigerians.
“MultiChoice may have originated from South Africa, but Multichoice Nigeria is a Nigerian company. The Chairman of the company, Mr. Adewumi Ogunsanya, is a Nigerian; the CEO, Mr. John Ugbe, is a Nigerian.
“Thousands of Nigerians make their living through MultiChoice. What do we gain by hounding the company?” he revealed.