A radio studio. Ugandan regulator UCC shuts down 23 radios for ‘promoting witchcraft’. FILE PHOTO | AFP
Uganda’s communications regulator, UCC, has ordered nearly two
dozen radio stations to be taken off the air over what it calls “lack of
minimum broadcasting standards.”
The directive to shut down 23 stations has sent shockwaves in the broadcast industry.
Pamela Ankunda, a spokesperson for the UCC, told The EastAfrican that the decision was taken after the stations ignored incessant warnings against advertising and promoting witchcraft.
The
commission makes reference the public notice of 27th March 2014…where
all broadcasters were warned against advertising and promoting
witchcraft.
The commission has noted with concern that
despite these several warnings your undertaking not to advertise and
promote witchcraft…and the public outcry against such misuse of the
airwaves, your station has continued to advertise and promote witchcraft
in contravention of section 2 of the witchcraft act,” states a letter
from the commission.
The regulator also accused the
stations of aiding and abetting fraud by allowing fraudsters to use
their airwaves to con people through promotion of healing powers.
Ms Ankunda said the stations will resume broadcasts if they comply with the broadcasting standards.
Uganda
has a vibrant FM radio segment, with more than 270 radio stations on
air. The stiff competition for a limited advertising pool has left many
broadcasters with little option but to accept advertising from whoever
can walk into the studio with some money.
Some of these
advertisers are herbalists and sellers of lucky charms, the practice
the regulator has interpreted as promotion of witchcraft and fraud.
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