The general manager of Bayelsa State Broadcasting Corporation, Terrence Ekise, says the outfit was surprised its operational licence was revoked. He said efforts were underway to renew the licences of the station.

”We are surprised that in spite of ongoing efforts at clearing the backlog of debt, the station was listed among those affected,” he said. The general manager added that the station had paid about N13 million out of the N17 million it owed to NBC.

Mr Ekise disclosed this on Saturday while reacting to the recent revocation of operational licences by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

He said the station’s management was working to pay outstanding renewal fees.

Mr Ekise also stated that the radio station had a good working relationship with the former management of NBC concerning licence renewal.

”We made remarkable progress paying our debt. A grace period was given during the outbreak of COVID-19. So far, we have done well and shouldn’t have been listed,” he said.

He said the station was currently grappling with the challenge of rebuilding and re-equipping its office complex.

On Friday, NBC revoked the licences of no fewer than 50 broadcast stations over the non-renewal of operational licences. NBC, which ordered the closure of the stations after 24 hours, said they collectively owed about N2.6 billion.

Radio Bayelsa and Rhythm 94.7 FM have yet to shut down operations.

(NAN)