Based on information from Graphic Online, the National Media Commission (NMC) is taking steps to suspend the frequency authorizations of Onua TV and Onua FM.
The NMC’s decision is as a result of what they have deemed as a “persistently dangerous broadcast” by Media General-owned Onua TV and Onua FM. According to sources, the NMC has sent a notice to one of its institutional partners regarding this matter.
“We believe our intervention to save the nation may have implications for your members and their clients who deal with the two stations. We therefore deem it necessary to inform you of our action to enable you to advise the advertising community accordingly.”
“Our action is in line with our Memorandum of Cooperation agreed upon by stakeholders of the media industry, including the Advertising Association of Ghana, in April 2021 at Alisa Hotel and executed on June 15, 2021. We have attached correspondence relating to the matter for your records,” it added.
Backstory
Days ago, Onua Radio/TV and Captain Smart were given a final warning by the National Media Commission (NMC) for engaging in broadcasts that go contrary to the ethics and values of the profession.
In a press statement dated Tuesday, November 14, 2023, the Executive Secretary, George Sarpong, expressed concern over a recent broadcast where Captain Smart directly insulted the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and other Commanders of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) by calling them “beasts.”
The NMC’s statement stated, “It is of concern to us that the behaviour persists after we drew the board’s attention. We are now compelled to come to the board again as a way of giving the company a last opportunity for internal gatekeeping.”
The commission urged the station to take immediate measures to halt such dangerous behaviour and enhance its capacity for regulatory compliance. Additionally, they called for an apology to the CDS, his commanders, and the Ghanaian public for the use of vulgar language.
The statement concluded with a deadline for compliance, stating, “We expect you to undertake the above and present evidence of the same to us before November 19, 2023, after which date you may hear further from the Commission.”
