The PMA Briefing

Cuts, threats of sanctions and donations | The PMA Briefing

22 April 2026

Concerns rise over media freedom in Nigeria as NBC threatens to sanction local broadcasters over breaches ahead of elections. Plus, RTV SLO at risk of having its funding drastically cut while the BBC announces a 10 percent cut in jobs. In the US, NPR receives its largest donation ever.

Nigeria: Broadcasting commission threatens to sanction stations over breaches

Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has warned local broadcasters that any ethical or professional violations will be sanctioned, a notice that has drawn criticism from some who see it as a threat to media freedom.

The NBC – which oversees broadcasting in Nigeria, including content monitoring, professional standards and the right to accurate information – noted what it called a concerning pattern of broadcasters falling short of their mandates. It pointed to a withdrawal from recognised journalistic standards and professionalism, citing a rise in reporters’ personal opinion, the intimidation of guests, and a failure to provide space for opposing perspectives.

It said breaches could undermine public confidence in the media and heighten tensions ahead of next year’s elections. It also emphasised the responsibility of broadcasters for any content aired on their platforms, no matter their origin.

However, the notice has drawn criticism from national organisations, who argue the move could narrow Nigeria’s civic space. Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the notice as “authoritarian and unconstitutional”, warning it may push journalists and outlets toward self-censorship. A, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar – a potential candidate for next year’s presidential election – described it as an effort to “muzzle the media and limit free expression.”

Lagos, Nigeria. Image: OpenUpEd/Creative Commons

Slovenia: Independence concerns over abolition of licence fee

Slovenia’s new government has announced plans to abolish the licence fee that funds RTV Slovenija.

The new speaker of the national assembly, the conservative Zoran Stevanović, this week restated his party’s plan to abolish the fee, which represents almost 80 percent of RTV’s income. His party had already introduced a bill last year proposing that RTV be funded directly from the state budget.

While this funding mechanism is found in other countries, the president of the RTV Slovenija board, Natalija Gorščak, said it created an environment where “someone will come along and then cut the funds for public radio and television”.

Media expert Marko Milosavljević warned against the dangers of “playing with RTV’s financing”, which could devastate its operations and staff. More concerns over the future of RTV may arise with the failure of the outgoing PM, Robert Golob, to form a coalition, giving way to the seasoned right-wing populist leader Janez Janša (SDS), who has previous history in interfering with the public broadcaster.

Truck from "Radio Televizija Slovenija" parked in front of University of Ljubljana. Credit: Adrian Tusar / Shutterstock.com

UK: BBC to cut almost one in ten jobs

The BBC has announced it will cut up to 2000 jobs, roughly 10 percent of its workforce, with the corporation facing “significant financial pressures”.

In February, the public broadcaster revealed that £500 million had to be saved over the next two years. It is the biggest staff downsize in 15 years and comes right before a new director general, Matt Brittin, takes over next month.

The interim director general, Rhodri Talfan Davies, has not ruled out axing entire channels or services too.

Although the details of what roles and services will be cut will not be revealed until September, tremors are already being felt within the BBC, with some staff fearing cuts would not target “highly paid presenters and senior staff”. Frustration was expressed acutely among younger journalists, who fear they will bear the brunt of mass redundancy.

The head of the media workers union warned such drastic cuts “will be devastating for the workforce and to the BBC as a whole”.

London, UK - People outside the main entrance to the BBC's Broadcasting House building in central London. Credit: georgeclerk/iStock

US: NPR is gifted $113 million, an historic record

Two donors have gifted $113 million to NPR, the largest donation in the public broadcaster’s history.

The philanthropist Connie Ballmer contributed $80 million specifically for NPR to transform its technology.

“My hope is that this commitment provides the stability and the spark NPR needs to innovate boldly and strengthen its national network,” Ballmer said in a statement. Another donor, who opted to remain anonymous, gave $33 million for tools and services that can be shared with public media across the US.

NPR chief executive Katherine Maher said the donations would fuel NPR’s digital transformation, help connect with new audiences, and ensure the viability of public media.

“Audiences don’t just listen in their cars or in their kitchens. They’re reading, they’re viewing, they’re listening on the go,” she said. “How do we make sure that we have the infrastructure necessary to be able to deliver the high quality reporting to people in all those places when they want?”

The donations help plug a deficit for public media in the US after the Trump administration last year cut federal funding for public media, with widespread job cuts.

When asked whether the donations replace the shortfalls, Maher said it did not, and further layoffs were possible this year.