Media Impartiality Isn’t Obligatory- Gabby Notes
Gabby Otchere Darko, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has noted that impartiality is not a spelt out obligation of the media as it may seem.
This is in reaction to the invasion into United Television Ghana (UTV) studio over the weekend by members affiliated to the governing party.
On his Facebook wall, he wrote, “A radio station or TV show has no obligation to be impartial. In fact some even choose to lie and insult.”
That notwithstanding, he noted that there are options if one feels there is a misstep which excludes intimidation and attack.
“You may call them out, complain to NMC or sue them. But, you can’t FORCE them to be fair. Endure, enjoy or tune out!”
Some young men associated with the NPP stormed the studio of UTV where a live show was airing on Saturday, October 8, 2023. This was after a panel member appeared shredding a letter from the NPP demanding reforms in the programme during the previous edition (September 30) of the show.
Sixteen of them were arrested by the police after a complaint by the organization and the Ministry of Information.
Call for Modification
The NPP on September 19 wrote to the Management of UTV registering their displeasure at what they called lending the programme to serve the interest of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“The programme now frequently features intemperate language, unconstructive rants and outright insults directed at the Presidency by panelists. This has become a recurring pattern that raises the question of whether the show has inadvertently transitioned into a political talk show,” a portion of the letter said before calling for balance in representation.
NPP Reaction
Meanwhile, the NPP has distanced itself from the conduct of the gang.
“We wish to state forcefully that the said act was not sanctioned by the party, and we apologise unreservedly to UTV, the programme team, and the general public.”
In a press statement on Sunday, the party condemned the action saying, “Advancing in numbers to interrupt the work of any media house is unacceptable, and we condemn it.”
It added, “The right of citizens to free speech is one of the cardinal values of our party, and we are committed to its advancement. The proper way for anyone to express any concerns over any programme by any media house would be to make a formal complaint.”
It also disclosed its intention to cooperate with the investigators to “deal with the matter expeditiously”.
Condemnation
So far opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), the, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and other Ghanaians have condemned the action of the youth.
In a statement, the GJA characterized the attack as “barbaric” and called on the police to up their game to arrest the rest of the perpetrators and subject them to prosecution. It also called on the stakeholders to join in condemning of the act.
The NDC also issued a statement calling the action “shameful”.
“There can be no place for such uncivilized and beasty conduct in a democracy,” it said.
