NMC Chases 15 Television Stations Over Illegal Contents

The National Media Commission (NMC) has issued a warning to some 15 television stations, ordering them to desist from content deemed  unfit for broadcast.

The National Media Commission and the National Communications Authority, as part of their collaboration to improve the quality of broadcasting in Ghana project, have gathered about 318 incidents on television making up 224 money-doubling incidents on 15 television stations.

READ MORE:Can BECE Provisional Results Change? Facts Checked

These TV stations were reported by the public for showing content considered unacceptable by the standards of media ethics, Ghanaian culture, traditions and norms.

They include Asomafo TV, Adwenpa TV, Eagle TV, Best TV, Energy TV, Diamond TV, X TV, Asomdwie TV, Funny TV, Advice TV, Big TV, Passion TV, Nkabom TV, Seekers TV, and Elephant TV.

The NMC in a statement issued on Thursday said, “For the stations listed above, we hereby serve them notice to cease and desist from those activities otherwise there will be severe consequences.”

The Commission said the reportage followed a collaboration between it and the National Communications Authority (NCA) to identify and address deficits in broadcast content.

Occultism

It indicated that a total of 318 incidents were reported by the public. Out of the number the Commission said 224 were money-doubling incidents; 83 money rituals; 24 fake lotteries; 18 occultic practices and 13 incidents of pornography.

The rest of the complaints related to fake loan schemes and people seeking to use fraudulent means to extract money from others.

The NMC stated that it would soon brief the public on its decision on the TV stations listed above.

In order to get the NMC and NCA informed, citizens were allowed to call a toll-free number 0800-419-666, to make their voices heard on the performance of broadcasting stations especially concerning content they consider unacceptable by the standards of media ethics, Ghanaian culture, traditions, and norms.

However, in a half month, the public had reported about 318 incidents on television made up of 224 money-doubling incidents; 83 money rituals; 24 fake lotteries; 18 occultic practices 13 incidents of pornography.

MORE STORIES FOR YOU: 30% of all ‘Category A‘ schools reserved for students from gov’t …

Captain Smart

The NMC issued a final warning to Onua Radio/TV and Captain Smart over an inciteful broadcast.

In a press statement dated Tuesday, November 14, 2023, the NMC said Captain Smart had directly insulted the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and other Commanders of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) as “beasts” during a recent broadcast.

The NMC further stated that Captain Smart had claimed that these officers embezzled money meant for soldiers on peacekeeping operations but had offered no evidence to support his claims.

The NMC described the broadcast as “dangerous” and “unprofessional.”

It also noted that it had warned Onua Radio/TV about promoting violence against the state in December 2022, but that the station had not taken steps to address the issue.

The NMC gave Onua Radio/TV and Captain Smart until November 19, 2023, to:

• Withdraw the insults and apologise to the CDS and his commanders
• Apologise to the Ghanaian public for the use of vulgar language
• Put in measures to stop the dangerous behaviour of the station and improve the station’s capacity for regulatory compliance