Don’t give platform to foment trouble – Media urged

The Vice Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Mr Alex Bannerman, has urged the media to be guided by the national interest and refuse to provide the platform for anybody to foment trouble.

He said it was particularly important for radio stations to make sure that panel discussions were properly moderated – stopping reckless statements and incitement of people to violence.

This comes as the country expects the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Election Petition, challenging the legitimacy of the 2012 presidential poll results.

Mr Bannerman, who was speaking at a day’s workshop held for members of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) in Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions, said the media owners should make it difficult for anyone to use their mediums as conduits to push any evil agenda.

The programme organized jointly by GIBA and STAR-Ghana, was aimed at helping the participants to appreciate the need to strengthen their gate-keeping roles to prevent turmoil, especially the aftermath of the Court’s verdict.

Mr Bannerman expressed the determination of NMC to streamline and restore sanity to the media landscape.

In line with this, he said, they were working on a “content regulation policy” that would serve as guidepost for media houses. The policy, he added, would soon be sent to Parliament for consideration and approval.

Mrs Charlotte Osei, Chairperson for the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), cautioned media houses against aligning with political parties and said doing that was dangerous and could ignite conflict.

Mr Akwasi Agyeman, Vice President of GIBA, also urged the practitioners to strictly abide by the Association’s code of conduct and be professional in their work.