The Independent Media Commission, Sierra Leone’s media regulatory body, has suspended all live phone-in programmes on Justice Radio—FM 98.5, Tumac Radio—FM 89.3 and Citizen Radio—103.7, all in the east end of the capital city, Freetown.
“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 MC 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,” the Commission said in a press release dated 13 June and signed but its Executive Secretary, Khalil Kallon.
The Commission said they reached the decision after they had generally monitored programmes on the three radio stations and observed that live phone-in-programmes were uncontrollable and were becoming problematic, especially at a time when the country was nearing voting day on June 24 amidst heightened tensions.
“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,” it added.
