Section 2: Powers of the Commission

(1) The Commission shall have the responsibility of-
(a) advising the Federal Government generally on the implementation of the National Mass Communication Policy with particular reference to broadcasting;
(b)
receiving, processing and considering applications for the establishment, ownership or operation of radio and television stations including-
[1999 No. 55.]
(i) cable television services, direct satellite broadcast and any other medium of broadcasting;
(ii) radio and television stations owned, established or operated by the Federal, State or local government;
(c) recommending applications through the Minister to the President, for the grant of radio and television licences;
(d) regulating and controlling the broadcasting industry;
(e) undertaking research and development in the broadcasting industry;
(f) receiving, considering and investigating complaints from individuals and bodies corporate or incorporate regarding the contents of a broadcast and the conduct of a broadcasting station;
(g) upholding the principles of equity and fairness in broadcasting;
(h) establishing and disseminating a national broadcasting code and setting standards with regard to the contents and quality of materials for broadcast;
(i) promoting Nigerian indigenous cultures, moral and community life through broadcasting;
(j) promoting authenticated radio and television audience measurements and penetration;
(k) initiating and harmonising Government policies on trans-border direct transmission and reception in Nigeria;
(l) regulating ethical standards and technical excellence in public, private and commercial broadcast stations in Nigeria;
(m) monitoring broadcasting for harmful emission, interference and illegal broadcasting;
(n) determining and applying sanctions including revocation of licences of defaulting stations which do not operate in accordance with the broadcast code and in the public interest;
(o) approving the transmitter power, the location of stations, areas of coverage as well as regulate types of broadcast equipment to be used;
(p)
ensuring qualitative manpower development in the broadcasting industry by accrediting curricula and programmes for all tertiary training institutions that offer Mass Communication in relation to broadcasting;
[1999 No. 55.]
(q)
intervening and arbitrating in conflicts in the broadcasting industry;
[1999 No. 55.]
(r)
ensuring strict adherence to the national laws, rules and regulations relating to the participation of foreign capital in relation to local capital in broadcasting;
[1999 No. 55.]
(s)
serving as national consultants on any legislative or regulatory issues on the broadcasting industry;
[1999 No. 55.]
(t) guaranteeing and ensuring the liberty and protection of the broadcasting industry with due respect to the law; and
(u)
carrying out such other activities as are necessary or expedient for the full discharge of all or any of the functions conferred on it under or pursuant to this Act.
(2) No person shall operate or use any apparatus or premises for the transmission of sound or vision by cable, television, radio, satellite or any other medium of broadcast from anywhere in Nigeria except under and in accordance with the provisions of this Act.