Monrovia – The opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has accused Eugene Fahngon, Director General of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS), of blocking the airing of its paid jingle on the national radio station.
By: J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972) – [email protected]
The CDC intended to inform the public about its upcoming Militant Day program and prepared a paid jingle, which was aired on several radio stations across the country. However, speaking at the party headquarters in Congo Town during the launch of CDC “Militant Month,” Assistant Secretary for Press and Propaganda Mamensie Kabba revealed that despite the jingle being accepted by numerous stations, it was denied airtime on the national radio station by Mr. Fahngon’s order.
“We have been able to pay for airtime on various radio stations. Unfortunately, when we went to ELBC for airtime, Mr. Fahngon denied our request. We strongly believe that this action is not just a provocation to our party, but an act of waging war on democracy because freedom is a fundamental part of democracy,” Kabba said.
She added, “Nobody should be denied access to a radio station because of their political alignment. It is unfortunate that they have forgotten. When we were in power, we gave the opportunity to opposition political parties on ELBC. Even Mo Ali went there during the launch of his campaign.”
“One thing Mr. Fahngon needs to know is that he is being paid by taxpayers’ money, by the Liberian people. Allowing our program to be aired there is not a favor, it is a democratic right, it is a tenet of democracy. Mr. Fahngon and the rest need to know that our silence is not our weakness,” she stated.
During his confirmation at the Senate, Fahngon vowed that the state-run radio station would be a public broadcasting house under his leadership. When contacted by Spoon TV, Mr. Fahngon explained that he denied the CDC jingle airtime on ELBC because the jingle focused on militancy. He further stated that he asked the CDC to edit its jingle before airing it on ELBC, but the party refused.
The CDC’s Militant Month is set aside to celebrate the remarkable commitment and heroism of partisans who continue to intellectually defend the CDC and its image. It recognizes and appreciates those dedicated members who selflessly contribute to the growth and development of the party.
“This month recognizes and appreciates those firebrand soldiers who continue to selflessly dedicate their all to the growth and development of the party,” the party’s statement reads.
From June 28-30, 2024, at the national headquarters of the CDC, District #9 will compete against District #6 in the opening fixture of the kickball match, while District #10 will face District #4 in the football match. Other activities include ludo, checkers, chess, scrabble, nafoot, housekor, parker pin, and many other games to spice up the three-day sporting festival.
The Political Leader, former President George M. Weah, along with legislators headed by Caucus Chair Senator Nathaniel F. McGill, Speaker of the House of Representatives J. Fonati Koffa, Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah, and Senator Saah Joseph, will lead an array of lawmakers. Chairman Janga Augustus Kowo, along with SG Jefferson T. Koijee, will lead scores of party leaders to celebrate the occasion.