Press Release – Temporary Closure of Radio Wanjei
PRESS RELEASE ON THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF RADIO WANJEI FROM THE 19TH – 21ST MARCH, 2012, PUJEHUN DOSRICT, EASTERN REGION
The Independent Media Commission has resolved a major conflict between the District Council Chairman, Pujehun District, Mr. Sadiq Silla, political party representatives and the Radio Wanjei Management, following a 2 day forced interruption of service, due to an unauthorized seizure of broadcast equipment at the station premises.
The Problem
On 17th March 2012, Pujehun District Council Chairman, Sadiq Silla and head of the APC, PMDC and SLPP of Pujehun District, had a meeting with the Radio Wanjei Station Manager, Mr. Melvin Rogers. The Meeting aimed the request and negotiates the provision of a dedicated time slot for the airing of 6 Joint Party Sensitization Discussion Programs, over a 6 day period. The proposed 1 Hour programs were planned to sensitize the electorate on the process of voter registration
A negotiated agreement was reached between the District Council Chairman, the Party heads and the radio station, to pay a daily Le 100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Leones) fee for six days. The two major parties, the APC and SLPP agreed to cost share and cover the costs for the other political parties. In the agreement, the APC committed to provide 10 Gallon of fuel (Le 250,000) plus Le 50.000 (Fifty Thousand Leones) in cash and SLPP Le 300.000 (Three Hundred Thousand). As an act of good faith, the APC provided 5 gallons of fuel up-front, for the proposed programs, commencing on Monday 19th March, 2012. The agreement also required the Radio Station Manager to serve as moderator for the programs.
Unfortunately, Mr. Melvin Rogers failed to moderate and or participate in the planned program, due to a travel commitment and delegated the responsibility to Mr. Abu Bakarr Mustapha. Prior to his departure, station staff and producers were informed of the agreement reached with the District Council and party heads for the airing of the specific programs at 8:30 on assigned days.
On arrival at the station, the District Council Chairman and party heads were informed that the program time slot had been shifted from 8:30pm to 9:00pm. In the ensuing protests and arguments, the District Council Chairman Mr. Sadiq Silla, entered the studio and seized two broadcasting microphones, leading to a halting of all broadcasts. In response, Mr. Abu-Bakarr Mustapha disenabled operations, by removing the station laptop computer from the studio, leading to the immediate shutdown of operations.
Mr. Sadiq Silla in defending his action above observed that he had entered the studios, the request a halting of the on-going program, but was met by an irritated staff member, who walked out and closed down operations. Confronted with such reaction, he seized the 2 studio microphones, to deprive the radio station from future broadcasting.
He observe that the station Managers absence was aimed at undermining the successful implementation of the programs envisaged and given his reaction to the crisis, he the District Council Chairman no longer recognized the authority of the manager to head the station.
The Manger Melvin Rogers was informed of the developments but failed to respond to calls from the District Council Chairman and or other authorities. He then filed a formal complaint to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists and the Independent Media Commission on the actions of the District Council Chairman, requesting immediate intervention in the evolving crisis.
Reaction of the Commission
The IMC Regional Desk Officer resident in Bo was mandated to immediately intervene in the matter. Following his investigations and meetings with the aggrieved parties on the on the 21st March and a Community Radio Broad and Stakeholders Meeting on the 22nd March, 2012, the Commission wished to observe as follows:
a) That it viewed with grave concern the actions of the District Council Mr. Sadiq Silla, in removing broadcast microphones form the premises of a community radio station. The action was both unacceptable and contrary to the required actions of District Council representatives in the event of a disagreement with a local community radio station. The Commission therefore demanded the unconditional return of the microphones to the station and to ensure that any grievances against the station be channeled through the IMC.
b) The Commission emphasized the need to respect all negotiated agreements with station clients. Timing was and remains an important factor in broadcasting. If stations fail to perform their tasks professionally and efficiently, they will lose the credibility and respect of their various publics. The Commission viewed the actions of shifting the time slots and assigned moderator for the proposed program as unprofessional and a breach of contract aimed at deliberately undermining the authority of the station manager, not withstanding clear instructions.
c) The Commission has warned al staff to be respectful to constituted authority and honest in their operation and business practices. The Commission observes that it was a major failing on the part of the station, not to have pre-informed council authorities of a potential change in the arrangements.
d) The commission has further provided guidance on how Community Radio Stations are to operate, including well-structured radio programs, relevant time slots, and recognition of the link between listener availability and timing of programs. It suggested that community radios are designed to suit the needs and convenience of their publics, adding that flexibility in certain cases may be required, especially when important matters of the community are at stake.
The Resolution
Given the rather inconclusive nature of the meeting held on the 21st March, 2012 with the Commission, a Community Radio Board and Stakeholders Meeting was held on the 22nd March, 2012 at which the following key decisions were reached:
- Following the intervention of the IMC, the broadcast microphones were retrieved and handed over to the Radio Station Manager.
- The manager and members of Radio Wanjei accepted the unprofessional manner in which they had carried out their operations and apologized.
- The District Council Chairman regretted his hasty actions and promised not to repeat the same again.
- The commission once again called on the Radio Station Manager and the District Council Chairman to put aside their personal differences and serve the community in both a professional and wholesome manner.
- Both parties have agreed to put aside past grievances and work for the common good. The commitment was sealed with a traditional hand shake of good faith and friendship.
- The Chairman of the Community Radio Board, IMC Regional Desk Officer and the Technical Team of the station then officially restarted radio operations.
- All partners working with Radio Wanjei have agreed to forward all initial complaints to the Board for resolution, prior to contacting the IMC.
- All parties have agreed to halt all publications and or announcements about the unfortunate events.
- The District Council leadership and other partners have agreed to seek the required funding to support the activities of Radio Wanjei. The District Council Chairman has also promised to use his good office to seek additional funding for the station.
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