Breaking News- AKBC to play opposition adverts, ors

 

Hence forth the state owned Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, AKBC both the radio and television service will be airing the jingles of Obong Umana Okon Umana and that of other opposition candidates and parties in the state. THE INK can report on grounds of authority. This follows a petition sent to the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC by Senator Ita Solomon Enang where the Uyo Senator complained that the state owned stations have not given a fair attention to other candidates in the state.

In a petition Enang sent to NBC on the 3rd of February, 2014, the Senator said, “I write as the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East (Uyo) senatorial District and the political class in the state. The Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (Radio & Television) services is owned by Akwa Ibom State Government. In the allotment of air time for political broadcast and other activities, the services concentrate only on Peoples Democratic Party to the absolute exclusion of all other political parties’ programmes and news”

Enang prayed the NBC to use its professional influence and cause AKBC to do the needful as he foresighted and ignition of the unexpected as other political parties were angry over the unprofessional conduct of the AKBC.

In her response addressed to Ita Enang, the NBC in a letter signed by Tony Anigala the zonal Director of Uyo said, “in response to your petition against AKBC Uyo over unfair denial of air time, we have taken a preliminary step. And in view of this, AKBC claims as follows that AKBC has always carried out its broadcast operation with a great sense of professionalism by promoting independent and impartial Television and Radio Broadcasting services to ensure that adequate expression is given to the culture, character, affairs and thinking of the people of the state.”

The AKBC station also defended itself by highlighting that it has always done justice to all people concerned irrespective of political affiliation.

Meanwhile, the NBC has directed all political parties to ensure that they get their jingles to AKBC services for airing and that were such is refused to be aired or given shabby treatment, they should not hesitate to report such to the zonal office of the National Broadcasting Commission with justifiable evidences and materials. 

But in an interaction with our reporter the Director General of AKBC Mrs. Elsie Udofia speaking on phone was not specific whether the Broadcast Company will air the advert and commentary of opposition parties and candidates. Elsie Udofia said, the company is waiting until the opposition parties and candidates bring their advert materials. She said, we cannot talk on that until (them) referring to opposition parties bring their materials.

With the position of Elsie Udofia, it remains to be seen whether the AKBC will air the adverts and materials of opposition parties holistically without undue interference from the Government of the day.