(MFWA/IFEX) – The National Communications Council (CNC), the media regulatory body in Guinea, on 4 November 2008 ordered the management of Familia FM, a community radio station in Conakry, to cease transmission for allegedly broadcasting information that the CNC claimed could “disturb the public peace” of the country. The Media Foundation for West Africa’s (MFWA) […]
(MFWA/IFEX) – The National Communications Council (CNC), the media regulatory body in Guinea, on 4 November 2008 ordered the management of Familia FM, a community radio station in Conakry, to cease transmission for allegedly broadcasting information that the CNC claimed could “disturb the public peace” of the country.
The Media Foundation for West Africa’s (MFWA) correspondent reported that following the directive, the station is now off the airwaves. A reporter for the station said they did not receive any written notice from the CNC, but heard of the suspension on the national radio station.
The correspondent said Mounir Camara, the CNC chairman, announced that Familia FM had been illegally operating outside its mandate as a community radio station and therefore he has withdrawn “the broadcasting license until further notice.”
Familia FM is a popular private community radio station that specialises in social issues, but only has the right to broadcast news bulletins.
MFWA is worried about the tendency of the CNC to order suspensions of media outlets in Guinea. The Foundation calls on the CNC as a matter of urgency to lift the suspension, desist from misusing its powers and authority and ensure that the media in Guinea operate without interference.
