The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has released a report detailing the widespread use of indecent language on Ghanaian radio stations, particularly highlighting Accra FM and Power FM as major culprits.
The report, covering monitoring from June 7 to June 30, 2024, presents alarming findings that underline the urgent need for stringent measures to curb this trend.
‘This report covers findings from monitoring conducted from June 7-30, 2024. We monitored over 500 radio programs, including news bulletins, as well as political and current affairs discussions aired on the nine radio stations.
“Altogether, we recorded 46 incidents of indecent expressions, with the majority (54.4%) captured during discussions about issues of: elections (21.7%), security (10.9%), corruption (10.9%), and development projects (10.9%). This was followed by issues related to the presidency (8.7%)”.
Media Foundation for West Africa’s Monitoring Indecent Language on Radio Report
Incidents of Indecent Language
According to the report, the most prevalent form of indecent expression was insulting and offensive comments, which accounted for 71.7% of the incidents.
This, the report noted was followed by unsubstantiated allegations (21.7%), provocative remarks (4.3%), and remarks calling for confrontation and violence (2.2%).
Offending Radio Stations
Highlighting the rampant incidents of indecent language on some radio station, the report indicated that Accra FM and Power FM emerged as the most frequent violators, with 71.7% of the total incidents occurring on these two stations.
The report, specifically pointed out that Accra FM had the highest number of violations, with 22 recorded incidents, primarily insulting and offensive comments (19), followed by unsubstantiated allegations (2), and one remark inciting violence.
Power FM, on the other hand, recorded 11 violations, with a similar pattern of offensive remarks and baseless accusations.
Among other several culprits, the report indicated that Accra-based Oman FM recorded eight violations, characterized by a mix of categories: three insulting and offensive comments, four unsubstantiated allegations, and one provocative remark.
Additionally, Ashh FM had two violations, while Radio Gold, Wontumi Radio, and Angel FM each had one violation, with Wontumi Radio having an unsubstantiated allegation and Angel FM having a provocative remark.
Social Media Amplification
A significant concern highlighted in the report is the amplification of these indecent expressions through social media.
Of the 46 violations, 43 were streamed live on Facebook, and 25 were also streamed simultaneously on YouTube.
“This is particularly troubling because the use of social media platforms does not only offer wider coverage for spreading indecent language but also preserves these inciteful comments, perpetuating their existence and potential negative influence on the nation’s peace ahead of the general elections in December 2024”.
Media Foundation for West Africa’s Monitoring Indecent Language on Radio Report
Moderation Lapses
The report also assessed the conduct of program moderators, pointing out that disturbingly, some moderators themselves engaged in indecent expressions.
The report cited Kwabena Bobie Ansah, host of The Citizen Show on Accra FM, who recorded 14 violations, making him the highest single contributor. Mugabe Maase, host of Inside Politics on Power FM, was also responsible for six violations, the third highest.
“Hosts are expected to moderate discussions and maintain decorum, yet their significant involvement in making indecent expressions undermines this role”, the report stated.
Recommendations
In light of these findings, the Media Foundation for West Africa issued several recommendations, including urging radio stations, particularly presenters and moderators to maintain professionalism and ensure respectful, fact-based discussions.
The report also cautioned program moderators on radio stations to establish and enforce clear ground rules to maintain decorum.
In addition, the report called on the National Media Commission (NMC), the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to enhance regulatory and self-regulatory mechanisms to uphold media professionalism.
The leadership of the various political parties was also urged to admonish their representatives and communicators to prioritize issue-based discussions and avoid indecent language.
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