1 Comment
The Independent Media Commission (IMC) has announced the temporary suspension of all live phone-in programs on three prominent radio stations in the East End of Freetown.
The affected stations include Justice Radio-FM 98.5, Tumac Radio-FM 89.3, and Citizen Radio-103.7. This decision comes in response to the improper nature of these programs and the challenges they pose, particularly during the ongoing election season.
Following careful monitoring of the broadcasts on the three radio stations, the IMC has observed a lack of control over live phone-in programs, which has become problematic in recent times.
Considering the concerns expressed by the general public and the broadcasters’ responsibility to maintain peace in Sierra Leone, the IMC has deemed it necessary to suspend these programs until further notice. The stations, however, have been given the option to utilize text messages as an alternative means of audience engagement.
One of the key reasons behind this suspension is the absence of the necessary equipment to screen incoming calls before they are aired, as mandated by Part II Section 5(1b) of the IMC Print and Electronic Media Regulations 2022. This absence of call screening mechanisms has rendered the live phone-in programs challenging to manage effectively.
To maintain accountability and adherence to media regulations, the suspension will be in effect immediately. Failure to comply with this directive may lead to the enforcement of relevant provisions within the IMC Act 2020 and Media Regulations.
It’s well