Mark canvasses tax relief for broadcasting organisation

By Henry Umoru
ABUJA- SENATE President David Mark yesterday said that if Broadcasting Organizations must meet the challenges of digitization before 2015, there was the urgent need for the body to have tax incentives.

According to him, tax incentives for broadcasting organization will assist them address the challenges of operational costs.

Speaking yesterday when he received the leadership of Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN), Senate President Mark said, ?you need tax relief. I will support your demand because it is genuine and you need to be economically stable to meet the challenges of digitization.?

Senator Mark who urged broadcasters not to be discouraged by the current economic and security challenges, stressed that government will continue to create environment that will allow them to function, adding, ?It is tasking for you to be in the same market with Stations that have the backing of State or Federal government. I know the role you are playing in informing and educating Nigerians. It?s important that you are kept afloat.

?I will support tax incentives and intervention funds as loans because you contribute to the nation?s economy by providing employment, informing and educating Nigerians.?

Earlier, the IBAN Chairman Mr. Osa Sonny Adun, had told Senator Mark that the group is seeking urgent amendment to the Act establishing National Broadcasting Commission to cancel the 2.5% fees payable to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from turnover of private and public broadcasters.

Odun, who was accompanied by Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Guy Murray-Bruce and Tony Akiotu; among others, also canvassed the extension of the lifespan of broadcast license period from five to ten years.

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