How Despite Media’s relationship with NPP backfired – Asiedu Nketiah

The recent attack on Despite Media by some NPP supporters has exposed the fragile relationship between the media company and the ruling party.

According to the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Despite Media allowed themselves to be seen as a wing of the NPP, and this created a false sense of entitlement and control among the party members.

Asiedu Nketiah, who spoke on Starr FM on October 20, 2023, said that Despite Media had over the years created an impression that they could be influenced and manipulated by the NPP.

He cited some examples of how the media company had given preferential treatment to the NPP and its affiliates, such as airing their campaign messages, hosting their events, and endorsing their policies.

He said that this perception had emboldened the NPP to make unreasonable demands on Despite Media, such as asking them to change the host and format of one of their popular shows, “United Showbiz.”

He said that this was a clear sign of disrespect and interference in the editorial independence of the media company.

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He said that the NPP had grown a tiger that was threatening to devour them, referring to the incident that occurred on October 7, 2023, when some NPP supporters stormed the premises of Despite Media and disrupted their prime-time entertainment show.

The attackers claimed that they were unhappy with the host of the show, Abeiku Santana, who they accused of being biased against the NPP.

The attackers were later arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and rioting.

They pleaded guilty and were fined GH¢2,400 each by the Achimota Magistrate Court.

Asiedu Nketiah said that this was a slap on the wrist and called for stiffer punishment for such acts of lawlessness.

He urged Despite Media to reconsider their relationship with the NPP and to uphold their professional standards and ethics.

He said that they should not allow themselves to be used or abused by any political party.

He also advised them to be fair and balanced in their coverage of all political parties and issues.

He said that as a media company, Despite Media had a responsibility to inform and educate the public and to promote peace and harmony in the society.

He said that they should not compromise their integrity or credibility for any political or economic gain.

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