Liberian Gov’t to Revoke Media Houses Permits if Henry Costa Broadcast on their Media, Information Minister Warns

By
Press Release
-
24
1622
Henry P. Costa

The government of Liberia on Friday, May 21, 2021 warned the managements of Sky Communications and Radio Bushrod (D15 Radio) against relaying in the future the broadcast of Mr. Henry Costa, who is currently a fugitive from Liberian justice.

The warning was given by Information Minister Ledgerhood J. Rennie during a meeting intended to discuss Sky Communucations and D-15’s decision to broadcast a program of Henry Costa against the expressed interdiction of the government of Liberia.

Friday’s meeting was attended by the Acting Chairperson of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, Edwina Zackpa, Solicitor General Syrrenius Cyphus, the President of the Press Union of Liberia Charles Coffey, and the House of Representatives’ Committee Chair on Information, Representative Ivar K. Jones. Sky FM was represented by T-Max Jilateh, while D-I5’s Beatrice Sieh ran late.

Information Minister Ledgerhood Rennie frowned on what he called the “abuse of the airwaves”, while emphasizing that radio owners ought to abide by the guidelines set by MICAT and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority.

He said although the government believes in freedom of speech and a free press, it will not hesitate in the strict enforcement of the laws of Liberia.

He warned the management of both stations, and all others, against repeating the infraction or risk the revocation of their permits. Costa, he said, as a fugitive can not be broadcasting to Liberian audience while out of the country and outside its jurisprudence.

“How does a person seek redress if he feels injured,” the Minister asked rhetorically.

The Liberian Solicitor General stressed during the discussion that the government was more concerned about national security than it was about content.

He cited the November 3, 2019 incident when Henry Costa used his media outlet to direct people to engage in acts that broke the law. He revealed that because of this, there’s a pending litigation against Mr. Costa.

The SG explained that there are many challenges with having Costa broadcasting to Liberian audience.

In his defense, T-Max Jilateh said the government had not told his station specifically before Friday meeting not to air any show from Henry Costa. He however announced that although the Thursday program was sponsored, “hereafter, I will no longer have Costa on my Platform”.

The President of the Press Union of Liberia, Charles Coffey warned journalists to “proceed with caution” when hosting non-journalists like Costa. “Our code of conduct is clear”, he said, “invectives; inciting people to war are forbidden”.

LTA’s Zackpah, for her part, urged media houses, including those that were cited, to ensure they are fully compliant with LTA’s guidelines which she said are the prerequisite for the issuance of licenses.

-30-

Post Views: 1,768

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

24 COMMENTS

  2. Hi would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re
    using? I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a hard time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.

    The reason I ask is because your design seems different
    then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique.
    P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask! https://trade.edu.vn/ung-dung-thuc-te-cua-blockchain-giai-quyet-khung-hoang-niem-tin

  4. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any issues
    of plagorism or copyright violation? My site has a lot
    of exclusive content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up
    all over the internet without my agreement. Do you know any ways to
    help prevent content from being ripped off? I’d certainly appreciate it.

  12. Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all folks you really realize what you are speaking approximately!
    Bookmarked. Please also consult with my site =). We may have a link alternate contract between us

    my web-site … joker123

  13. Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site,
    how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
    I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea

  17. Wonderful goods from you, man. I have have in mind your stuff previous to and you’re just too magnificent.
    I actually like what you have obtained here, certainly like
    what you are saying and the way in which wherein you are saying it.
    You’re making it enjoyable and you continue
    to take care of to stay it smart. I cant wait to read far more
    from you. That is really a tremendous website.

  20. I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both equally educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head.
    The problem is something which not enough men and women are speaking intelligently
    about. Now i’m very happy that I stumbled across
    this in my search for something regarding this.

  23. Unquestionably imagine that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the net the easiest
    factor to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed at the same
    time as other people think about issues that they plainly don’t realize about.
    You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and outlined out the whole thing with no need side effect
    , other folks can take a signal. Will probably be again to get more.
    Thank you

    Here is my blog post – W88

Comments are closed.