Abstract

This study analyzes broadcast monitoring process in Nigeria by the industry regulator, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). It sought to identify and highlight the gatekeeping processes that obtain in broadcast monitoring and regulation, similar to the news production process. Two methods of data gathering (participant observation and questionnaire) were used to collect data from the NBC broadcast monitoring rooms and officers. The findings show that, though, a gatekeeping process is put in place to detect breaches to the Nigeria Broadcasting Code at State and Zonal levels, yet NBC seems to use its discretion in using stick and carrot approach to sanctioning defaulting private and public stations or broadcasters, usually in favor of public broadcasters.

Key Words: NBC, Monitoring, Gatekeeping, Content Regulation, Broadcasting.

Authors’ Bio

*      Mustapha Nasir Malam, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Mass Communication and the Dean, Faculty of Communication, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. He received his Ph.D in Communication Policy Studies from City University, London. He was Registrar of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) between 1998 to 2002 and Head, Mass Communication Department, University of Maiduguri, from 1995-1997. His research interests include communication policies and public relations.

**   Auwalu Rabilu is a Senior Monitoring Officer, Directorate of Broadcast Monitoring National Broadcasting Commission, Abuja, Nigeria. He holds B. A. and M. Sc. in Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria where he currently pursues Ph. D. His research interests include communication policy and broadcast regulation.

^JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 11, No. 2, October 2019, pp.  205 - 212