UTV bans Sammy Gyamfi for airing ‘false propaganda’ after fighting several lawsuits
UTV bans Sammy Gyamfi for airing ‘false propaganda’ after fighting several lawsuits
The National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi has been suspended from telecasting his political show titled “NOKW3R3 MMR3” which literally means “Moment of Truth” on air.
The show which runs on United Television (UTV), a subsidiary of Despite Media Group on Saturday at exactly 7:00pm is said to have attracted several legal suits against the station, hence the decision to suspend the programme.
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According to a letter written by the management of the station to the NDC communicator, the programme would be suspended for now to ensure the reputation of the station is maintained.
“The Management of United Television (UTV), regrettably seek to inform you of our decision to suspend the programme mentioned above, which currently airs on our network on Saturdays at 7 pm and Mondays at 9pm respectively.”
“This unfortunate decision has been taken due to the numerous allegations and legal actions the station has been faced with and subsequent settlements it has entered into which emanated from the airing of the programs,” the letter stated.
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Touching on why the programme was allowed to be aired, management of UTV explained that they were telecasting the programme to help the party reach masses with their message since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had changed the manner in which campaign is done.
“UTV’s willingness to allow your political party to purchase airtime and host your own programs on our channel was as a mutt of the restrictions imposed by the President due to COVID-19 pandemic, which does not allow mass gatherings and rallies.”
“Knowing very well that as we are at the peak of an election year, the programs would offer both party’s the opportunity to reach a larger audience. Thus the aim of the programs as agreed was to allow your outfit to disseminate your campaign message and details of your manifesto to the general public in order for Ghanaians to make informed decisions during the 2020 Elections.”
“The programme took a different turn when same was aired. To protect our brand, avoid legal suits, retraction and apologies management has decided to suspend the program until further notice,” the letter read.
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Management expressed their commitment to air any educative piece that would detail Ghanaians on their manifesto which would also not prone the station to lawsuit.
“We welcome any opportunity to discuss further, how our network can be made available to your outfit to educate the people of Ghana on your party’s policies and manifesto ahead of the December 7 elections which will not seek to place the station at a, legal risk and maintain our station’s ( UTV) unbiasedness in Ghanaian politics and reportage in general,” the letter stated.
Source: www.spotonnews.net
