Freetown 13th June, 2023: The Independent Media Commission suspends All Live Phone-In Programmes on Justice Radio—FM 98.5, Tumac Radio—FM 89.3 and Citizen Radio—103.7 in the East-End of Freetown.
Press Release
Freetown 13th June, 2023: The Independent Media Commission suspends All Live Phone-In Programmes on Justice Radio—FM 98.5, Tumac Radio—FM 89.3 and Citizen Radio—103.7 in the East-End of Freetown.
The decision of the Commission came about due to the fact that having generally monitored programmes on the three radio stations, the Commission has observed that live phone-in-programmes on the afore mentioned radio stations are uncontrollable and are becoming problematic especially during this electioneering period.
Based on several concerns raised by the general public and taking into consideration the responsibility they bear as broadcast institutions to maintain the peace of Sierra Leone, the Commission has deemed it necessary to suspend all live phone-in programmes on Tumac, Justice and Citizen Radios during this electioneering period until further notice, while giving them the option to use text messages.
Since these radio stations lack the required equipment to screen incoming calls before putting callers on air as provided for in Part II Section 5(1b) of the IMC Print and Electronic Media Regulations 2022, all live phone-in programmes are suspended effective immediately, failing which the relevant provisions of the IMC Act 2020 and Media Regulations will be invoked.
Signed
Khalil Kallon
Executive Secretary—IMC
