Regulating Reality Television in Nigeria: Analysing Bbnaija Under the Nbc Act 1999 on Obscenity, Indecency and Profanity
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study assessed the regulating reality television in Nigeria: analysing BBNaija under the NBC Act 1999 on obscenity, indecency and profanity. The diffusion of innovations theory was anchored in this study. The study was anchored on the interpretivist research philosophy. The research adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of the study comprised officials of the National Broadcasting Commission, media practitioners, communication scholars, and selected television audience members in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, estimated at 1,250 individuals based on available NBC staff and registered media professionals in the region. A sample size of 120 participants was determined using purposive sampling. The sampling process involved identifying key informants from the NBC zonal office, local broadcast stations, media scholars from the University of Port Harcourt, and frequent viewers of Big Brother Naija, ensuring a balanced representation of regulatory, professional, academic, and audience perspectives. The study employed in-depth interviews and focus group discussions as its methods of data collection. Data were analysed using the thematic analysis method, where recurring patterns, themes, and viewpoints were identified, categorized, and interpreted in relation to the research objectives. The findings revealed that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has not effectively enforced the provisions of the NBC Act of 1999 and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code on obscenity, indecency, and profanity in regulating Big Brother Naija, as enforcement practices remain inconsistent, reactive, and influenced by political and commercial interests. The study concluded that the National Broadcasting Commission’s inconsistent and reactive enforcement of the NBC Act and Broadcasting Code has weakened its moral and institutional authority, indicating an urgent need for stronger commitment to uphold ethical broadcasting standards in Nigeria. The study recommended that The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) strengthen its enforcement of the NBC Act and Broadcasting Code by ensuring consistent monitoring and applying sanctions without political or commercial interference.
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7101403620
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