The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) made most of the indecent expressions in the latest monitoring report of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).
The report which spanned June 10 to 16, 2012 indicates that the NPP made seven out of the 12 indecent expressions.
A member of the NPP�s Communication Team, Mr. David Osei, made four of the seven indecent expressions recorded by the party.
Kumasi-based Angel FM was the only radio station on which four of the indecent expressions were made. Accra-based Radio Gold followed with three indecent expressions.
Below is the full report:
MFWA�S REPORT ON INDECENT LANGUAGE USE ON RADIO
This report covers the findings of monitoring language-use on radio for the period, June 10 -16, 2012 by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). During the period, 53 reports were received on the programmes monitored on 30 of the 31 radio stations selected for the project. Eight of the programmes monitored recorded indecent expressions and this report is based on those eight programmes.
Monitoring language-use on radio is a project by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) with funding from STAR-Ghana. The project is aimed at ensuring issues-based and decent language campaigning in this year�s polls. It involves daily monitoring of language/ expressions by politicians and activists on specific programmes on 31 selected radio stations across the country.
General Findings on Expressions used
A total of 12 indecent expressions were recorded on the eight programmes on which indecent expressions were captured.
Expressions Used by Discussants and their Political Party Affiliation
In all, six people made 10 of the 12 indecent expressions. Four of them identified with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the remaining two belonged to the National Democratic Congress. Majority of the indecent expressions were made by the four NPP officials/supporters.
The remaining two of the 12 indecent expressions were rebroadcast on Radio Gold.
For the week under review, Mr. Daniel Osei of the NPP made four (33.3%) of the 12 indecent expressions recorded. He was followed by Mr. Clearland Abizi of the NDC who made two of the indecent expressions.
Expressions Used by Gender
The six people who made the 10 indecent expressions were all males. Also, no gender-specific indecent remark was recorded during the week.
Below, the names of the individuals who made 10 of the indecent expressions have been placed under the specific types of expressions they made. The radio stations and the dates on which the expressions were made have also been indicated. The two indecent expressions that were replayed have also been put under their respective categories.
Insulting/offensive remarks
� Mr. Clearland Abizi of the NDC - during Ankobra FM�s Breakfast Table programme of June14, 2012
� Hon. Maxwell Kofi Dwumah of the NPP � on Oman FM�s National Agenda programme of June 14, 2012
� Michael Ampong of the NPP � during Oman FM�s Boiling Point programme of June 14, 2012
� Mr. Kwasi Kyei of the NPP � on Kessben FM�s Maakye programme of June 11, 2012
� Radio Gold replayed the offensive comment by Hon. Kennedy Agyapong against the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ama Benyiwa Doe during the Newspaper Review segment on the Gold Power Drive aired on June 12, 2012.
Unsubstantiated allegations
� Mr. David Osei of the NPP � made four unsubstantiated allegations on Angel FM�s Platform programme of June 11, 2012
� Mr. Clearland Abizi of the NDC � on Ankobra FM�s Breakfast Table programme aired on June 14
� Mr. Felix Owusu Kwakye of the NDC � in an interview on Gold Power Drive of June 12, 2012
Comments Promoting Divisiveness
� Radio Gold replayed the ethnocentric remarks by Hon. Kennedy Agyapong during the Newspaper Review segment on the Gold Power Drive aired on June 12, 2012
As a policy, the MFWA has decided not to publish the indecent expressions people make since it will amount to rebroadcasting of those remarks. The MFWA has been urging radio stations to desist from the replay of indecent expressions on their networks since they tend to amplify such expressions and their potentially negative ramifications.
Thus, the rebroadcasting of the specific indecent expressions recorded in this monitoring exercise will amount to the same inappropriate action.
The specific expressions made by people cited in our reports are, however, available at the MFWA.
Expressions Used on Specific Programmes/Subjects
Eleven of the 12 indecent expressions were captured during morning and evening/night political discussion programmes. These indecent expressions were made during discussions on political party activities, corruption and conflicts.
Expressions Used on specific Radio Stations
The eight programmes on which the 12 indecent expressions were captured were broadcast on five radio stations.
Conclusion
Generally, majority of the discussions focused on issues and most of the hosts/presenters handled the various segments of their programmes fairly. The MFWA is encouraging the few who were not professional enough, especially in managing their in-studio discussions and interview segments to insist on the use of decent expressions on their respective programmes.
The producers and hosts of the various programmes are also encouraged to desist from the replay of indecent expressions since it tends to amplify such expressions and their potentially negative consequences..
Issued by MFWA in Accra on June 21, 2012
The MFWA is a regional independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Accra. It was founded in 1997 to defend and promote the rights and freedom of the media and all forms of expression.
Source: Media Foundation For West Africa
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