US embassy cable - 04ABUJA712

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