SECTOR 3 Broadcasting regulation is transparent and independent; the state broadcaster is transformed into a truly public broadcaster. 3.1 Broadcasting legislation has been passed and is implemented that provides for a conducive environment for public, commercial and community broadcasting. The decree establishing the National Broadcasting Commission is the principal legislation governing the broadcasting sector in Nigeria. Among other duties, the Commission, which dates back to the years of military rule, advises the government on broadcast policy, makes proposals for the issuing of licenses, “regulates and controls” the broadcast industry, and listens to complaints. In spite of the existence of a legislative framework, there are still challenges for the broadcast media to develop. The Minister of Information remains a powerful official as far as shaping the media sector is concerned. He appoints the chief executives of state-run broadcasting organisations, over which he exerts control. There is no true public service broadcaster in the country since “public” radio and television stations are managed much like parastatals. Commercial broadcasting also faces many difficulties, the most pressing of which are the power of state authorities to issue and withdraw licences, and the high cost of licences fees. In states like Lagos and Abuja, the broadcast licence runs as high as N20 million (US$ 126 272), with the average for the rest of the country at about N15 million (US$ 94 704). In addition, broadcasters are required to pay 5% of their annual turnover to the state. After years of inaction on the issue, the government finally set up a panel to examine the development of community radio in 2006. However, to date, no legislation has been enacted to govern community broadcasting. In a major development, the government gave its approval for community radio to become operational, but not a single licence has been issued to bring this to fruition. 34 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2011