The Management of One Media Incorporated, owner of PUNCH FM and TV, has written an official communication to the US Embassy in Monrovia complaining the Weah administration for allegedly subverting the establishment of the institution and its subsidiaries.
Report By Varney Dukuly_favorduke7@gmail.com
The communication, dated April 15, 2019 among other things stated that, government reported delay to authorize Punch FM’s operate on account that the station is anti- government will espouse critical and damning views against President Weah and the ruling establishment.
The communication also informed the US Ambassador that following the launch of PUNCH FM the CEO, Mr. Patrick Honnah and other Executives of the institution came under blistering verbal attacks from operatives and surrogates of the Government.
The letter adds that the arbitrary suspension of the institution’s license violates the rules of natural justice and inconsistent with the due process of law as set out in the Liberian constitution and administrative laws of the country.
Speaking to OK FM News Monday Evening, April 15,2019, PUNCH FM’s Chief Executive Officer Patrick Honnah craved the indulgence of the US Government through the office of the US Ambassador Christine Elders to swiftly intervene in ensuring that the entity lawfully acquires her license.
On three occasions we have visited the ministry of information with our legitimate document but there was no one at the ministry of Information to speak with. Every time we went there people at the ministry will continue to direct us from one office to the other, until the day expires.
So, we see this by the government to deprived us of our right, same being based on the perception that we will promote the opposition views or opposing views.
Patrick Honnah disclosed that the license suspension is also causing the institution to lose revenue, emphasizing that those doing business advertisement with the station have all left.
In June 2018, the Government of Liberia with immediate effect suspended operating licenses and authorizations issued media operators between January 1-June 18, 2018
Liberia’s Ministry of Information Culture Affairs and Tourism announced the decision in Monrovia on June 18, 2018, prompting pubic outcry and huge condemnation on radio stations and social media.
The government argues, the new measure will allow a new revision and regulatory regime due to “technical and administrative anomalies including duplication of frequencies to radio and television operators, and incorrect designations and submissions”.
In-spite of all, the Information Ministry insists, government approved new frequencies and operating licenses would be issued following the review process, which was expected to begin on June 20.
But, since the pronouncements, the Liberian government is yet to update the suspended media institutions about the review processes, an act some of the media institution has termed as witch hunt.
The government’s pronouncement has been criticized by many who believed the move is a smart way of silencing a pluralized media thereby denying those who have sought the government of Liberia’s permission to open new media houses.
