NMC, NCA warn media against irresponsible reportage
The National Media Commission (NMC) and the National Communications Authority (NCA) have threatened to sanction any media house that uses its medium to foment trouble in the run-up to the December 7 elections.
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The sanctions include warning and withdrawal of licences and frequencies.
In a joint statement, the two media regulatory bodies said their decision was not to stifle the media or prevent free expression, but rather to ensure responsible reportage and prevent the media from creating tension and disturbing the peace in the country.
No violence incitement
Reading the statement at a press conference in Accra yesterday, the Chairman of the NMC, Nana Kwasi Gyan-Appenteng, said the NMC and the NCA would make every effort to encourage professional practice in the media.
“The two institutions would not hesitate to take all appropriate measures within the law against any media house that does not comply with their earlier mentioned statutes, especially with regard to your broadcasting authorisation,” he said.
Nana Gyan-Appenteng urged frequency authorisation holders to ensure that their platforms were not used to incite violence, saying: “The media, especially the broadcast media, should watch against incendiary verbal attacks on air and inflammatory statements which could result in negative actions.”
He again asked them to diligently and independently investigate all allegations and claims by interest groups before putting them out, because false news escalated tension during elections.
Touching on current developments on the political scene, he condemned any acts of election violence and intolerance, and stated that Ghana’s stability should be paramount at all times.
Social media
The NMC chairperson urged the public to ensure the judicious and responsible use of social media to promote peace during the election.
Nana Gyan-Appenteng charged mobile network operators to ensure that their networks functioned efficiently during the election period.
He addressed content providers on electronic communication networks not to create or spread false information.
Monitoring team
Nana Gyan-Appenteng said the NMC’s monitoring team had intensified its work, and indicated that some officials of the NMC would visit some selected media houses to have discussions on improved performance.
He asked anyone who might have any concerns about the professional performance of any broadcasting house to report to the NMC or the NCA.