Africa-Press – Liberia. Radio Gompa, a prominent local radio station in Ganta, Nimba County, has imposed a media blackout on Representative Samuel Gongben Kogar following his comments referring to the station as “Radio Kigali.”
The station’s manager, Prince Forfor, cited Kogar’s remarks as undermining Radio Gompa’s credibility and reputation, leading to the decision for the blackout. Forfor explained that Kogar’s behavior towards their reporters has been marked by aggression, with incidents including labeling a reporter, Railey Guanbeh, as a tribalist during a recent debate and displaying sarcasm in his responses to questions.
This behavior prompted the station to take action, as they felt misrepresented and unfairly targeted by the lawmaker’s comments. “Rep. Kogar had elected to brand Voice of Gompa as a tribal media house because our presenter asked him a question based purely on expediency, that you and Senator Johnson are first cousins, why will you want the both of you as a family to represent Nimba at the Senate,” the Manager said.
“The Voice of Gompa had never preached any hate message, nor invited anyone or group into the violent acts as done by Radio Kigali’, so why did Rep. Kogar decide to mount a podium and label us as such,” he said.
In response, Representative Kogar has defended his freedom of speech rights, stating that the station’s decision to silence his voice is unwarranted. He accused Radio Gompa of being selective and displaying tribal biases, though he provided no substantial evidence.
The ongoing tensions between politicians and media outlets in Nimba County have been fueled by recent events, particularly the tribal dynamics in the Senatorial by-election.
The proliferation of community radio stations in the region reflects the growing dissatisfaction among politicians regarding fair representation and coverage during political activities. With over 20 community radio stations in Nimba, including five in Ganta alone, the landscape of media ownership and influence is diverse. Various public figures, including senators and former politicians, have established their own stations in response to perceived biases or limitations in existing media outlets.
Over report on how the media covered his campaign activities and its stance at some point, Current Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung constructed Voice of Nimba in Ganta after the highly disputed 2020 Special Senatorial Election, which ended at the Supreme Court between him and his key rival, Edith Gongloe Weh.
Kogar also constructed his station in Beeplay in District # 5, while in Tappita Rep. Dorwoan Gleekia opened his station, and in Zekepa former Mantonakay Tinkpan also opened his station but it was later turned to the community after he lost the 2017 election.
Radio Sletorwah was also built by former presidential candidate Benoni Urey during the 2017 general election, but it was later turned over the community. In Ganta, Rep.Samuel Brown is said to have bought Hott FM, and he is currently constructing a new building to host the station.
Radio Gompa or Voice of Gompa was constructed by former Nimba District # 4 Representative Nohn Kiidor at the time Radio Kehgheaman was the only station in Nimba. All of these stations were built due to dissatisfaction over how the local media has reportedly been biased towards some politicians.
The current situation involving Radio Gompa and Representative Kogar underscores the complex relationship between politicians and the media in Nimba County, highlighting the challenges of maintaining impartiality, freedom of expression, and fair representation in local broadcasting.
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