Monrovia, Liberia – One Media Incorporated, owner of PUNCH 106.7 FM/TV, has again written the American government through its Embassy near Monrovia, seeking the assistance of the U.S. to swiftly intervene in a longstanding ban imposed on the station by the George Weah-led government.
In January of 2018, One Media Incorporated met all requirements under the laws of Liberia to operate as a media institution, with the Government of Liberia at the time issuing the entity broadcast license and permit.
But five months later the Weah administration prevented the station from coming on air, citing a review of the country’s media sector as the basis for its action.
Howbeit, several months has elapsed and the government is yet to lift the ban on the institution, neither has it communicated as to what the reasons are for the prolongation in the ‘review process’ of the country’s media landscape.
A communication from One Media Incorporated earlier this year addressed to Information Minister Eugene Nagbe, seeking clarity on the ‘review process’ was not responded to.
However, referencing his entity’s previous communication dated June 29, 2018, Acting General Manager, Olando Testimony Zeongar, today wrote American Ambassador Christine Elder soliciting her kind intervention into what he terms a clearly glaring motive on the part of the Weah-led government to subvert the establishment of Punch FM and its subsidiaries.
Mr. Zeongar wrote: “As you are aware, the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) through a statement issued on June 18, 2018, stunningly informed the nation that the Government of Liberia had immediately suspended all new operating licenses and authorizations issued to media operators from January 1, to June 18, 2018. At the time, the Government claimed the decision was aimed at reviewing the regulatory regime due to “technical and administrative anomalies including duplication of frequencies to radio and television operators, and incorrect designations and submissions.” The government’s statement indicated that the review process began June 20, 2018 and institutions concerned were requested to submit themselves to the review process.”
He informed the U.S. envoy that in spite of efforts on the part of PUNCH FM to have proceeded to the Ministry of Information, on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, Wednesday, October 17, 2018 and Monday, December 3, 2018 respectively, in a bid to submit to the ‘review process’, it was unfortunate and disappointing that no one at the ministry or in government was willing to say a word to the institution, adding that this further consolidates One Media Incorporated’s view that the government’s statement announcing a review of the media regime of the country was filled with deception and machination.
“Madam Ambassador, with will and courage, we have every reason to believe that this move by the government is entirely intended to target, prevent and sabotage PUNCH FM from broadcasting—merely on account of a perceived notion that the station is anti-government and will espouse critical and damning views against President Weah and the ruling establishment,” Mr. Zeongar stressed.
He reminded U.S. Ambassador Elder that immediately upon the announcement of the launch of PUNCH FM and the erection of its billboard, the institution’s CEO, Mr. Patrick Honnah and other executives of the entity came under blistering verbal attacks from operatives and surrogates of the CDC-led government.
“These surrogates threw constant diatribes and tantrums at Mr. Honnah on Facebook—branding him as enemy of President George Manneh Weah, who should not be permitted to operate any radio network in Liberia,” wrote Zeongar, disclosing that “We have screenshots evidence of some of the threats and foul expressions spewed against Mr. Honnah and the institution.”
He clarified that contrary to what the Weah administration and its surrogates perceive about PUNCH FM, the institution is squarely a business establishment that is committed to ethical broadcasting.
“We would also like to dismiss any claim that PUNCH FM is an opposition radio station as totally erroneous and factually incorrect. Ours, is a sacred mission to run an independent, ethical and responsible media network, purely committed to democracy and good governance as well as promoting Liberia to nobler heights,” Zeongar added.
He pointed out to the U.S. envoy that the Weah-led government’s decision to arbitrarily suspend PUNCH FM license is absolutely reprehensible, and a one that violates the rules of natural justice, noting that such action is certainly inconsistent with the due process of law as set out in the Liberian constitution and administrative laws of the country.
Citing Article 20 of the Liberian constitution as his reliance, Zeongar insists that the Weah administration’s decision to withhold his institution’s broadcast license and operational permit is clearly in violation of the Constitution, according to him, no form of due process preceded the action to suspend PUNCH FM’s license.
Article 20 of the Liberian constitution states: “No person shall be deprived of any rights except as a result of a judicial proceeding consistent with law.”
He notified Ambassador Elder that the government’s license-suspension action against PUNCH FM is costing his institution heavy losses, as its investors, business partners and clients with whom it has advertising arrangements have all withdrawn their support, as a result of government’s action.
The PUNCH FM communication to the U.S. envoy was also copied to several local and international institutions, including the Press Union of Liberia, the Liberia Council of Churches, Muslim Council of Liberia, United Nations, African Union, European Union, and ECOWAS, with Zeongar pleading with Ambassador Elder to swiftly intervene in ensuring that his institution’s lawfully acquired license is restored.
