GON BAN ON RETRANSMISSION OF FOREIGN NEWS PROGRAMS

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 000712

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/01/2014
TAGS: PHUM OPRC PGOV PREL NI
SUBJECT: GON BAN ON RETRANSMISSION OF FOREIGN NEWS PROGRAMS


CLASSIFIED BY CDA RICK ROBERTS FOR REASONS 1.5 (b) AND (d).


1. (C) The new British High Commission press officer told
Abuja IO on April 20 that the High Commission is very unhappy
with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) decision to
stop rebroadcasting of all foreign news and programs by
Nigerian media, which has had a direct impact on BBC and VOA.
While most Nigerians receive VOA material directly via
satellite or shortwave radio, BBC relies heavily on local
affiliate stations (particularly the AIT television network)
to carry their programming.


2. (C) The British High Commission has elevated their
demarches regarding this matter to the highest level, said
the press officer, but to no avail. The head of the BBC
African Division was in country recently to express concern
over the ban on their programming. Outgoing British High
Commissioner Phillip Thomas broached the subject with
President Obasanjo, who reportedly said that he would
consider the issue next month. Information Minister Chikelu
reportedly told BBC and High Commission officials that the
matter would be "sorted out" in short order, but that has not
happened. The press officer said the High Commission
believes the State Security Service (SSS) is behind the ban.


3. (U) There were two editorials recently in Nigerian
newspapers on the ban, one April 20 in the Daily Independent
and one April 21 in the Guardian. Both said it was a bad
decision that makes the government look like one of the old
military regimes in Nigeria.
ROBERTS