Okin FM Responds to Allegations of Partisanship After Discontinuation of a Radio Programme
Okin 105.7 FM, the first independent radio in the North Central region, has debunked allegations of partnership leveled against it in a recent article credited to a group called Offa Watch.
The station made this known in a statement dated October 7, 2024 and signed by the General Manager, in response to a viral article from the group claiming that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has seized control of the station and alleging the suppression of opposition viewpoints.
The statement reads, “The attention of the station has been drawn to a viral article by a group titled “Aftermath of Shabby LG Election in Offa – APC Hijacks Okin FM, Silences Opposition Views on Offa Radio Waves” as well as various outburst that trailed the discontinuance of a radio programme on our station.
“Ordinarily, the station does not join issues with partisan actors, particularly where no evidence has been provided. However, the assertions that our station has been commandeered to suppress opposing viewpoints and promote only pro-government content are unfounded and misrepresent our commitment to balanced journalism.
“To set the record straight, the situation that occurred on Sunday, 6th October, 2024 at 11:30am was a breach of agreement by the PDP representative. Upon securing airtime with the marketing department, our client made known that the aim of the show was to extend appreciation to stakeholders and supporters at the last local government poll. Therefore, airtime was never allotted for political discourse.
“Also, the programme was agreed upon by our client and the station to be hosted by an in-house presenter. However, our client unexpectedly brought in a freelance presenter to anchor the show. After some back-and-forth, they were allowed to go on air solely to fulfill the purpose of airing the show.
“Unfortunately, the presenter and his guest deviated from the programme’s intended aim, breaching the agreement and violating broadcasting rules by inciting the public and making calumnious statements in an attempt to promote their party. This made the General Manager to spontaneously pull the programme off the air.
“Similarly, the viral article suggesting that the APC-led government in the state has hijacked the station is a baseless and misleading attempt to tarnish the station’s reputation through spurious claims. Okin FM remains apolitical in fulfilling its informative and interpretative role.
“Okin FM understands that freedom of expression and access to information must not be suppressed, however, it should be upheld within the bounds of the law. If a programme host cannot objectively present a show, thereby putting the station at risk of being fined for
compromising section 5 of the broadcasting codes, should we just fold our arms and let that happen?
“We are indeed disappointed in some broadcasters, who were expected to perform the role of peace agents by adhering to the principles of objectivity, responsibility, accuracy and neutrality, but have sacrificed all these traits for sentiment.
“We again, assure our listeners and the public that Okin FM operates independently, and adhere to ethical standards of broadcasting.
“Therefore, the public is advised to discard these assertions as nothing more than a claptrap. We also implore those behind the mischief to desist forthwith, as subsequent claims and serious allegations will be taken with utmost gravity,” the statement concluded.