Kogi Guber : Group Demands Sanctions of TV station over ‘Biased’ commentary .
KOGI NEW GENERATION INITIATIVE
Press Statement
Addressing Bias Media Representation of Kogi State 2023 Off-Cycle Election on Channels Television: A Call for National Broadcasting Commission Investigation and Sanctions
Convener: Comrade. Richard Otitoleke
Date: 20th August, 2024
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,
We most sincerely welcome all of you to this very important discourse. We have convened this press conference today to address a specific instance of biased media representation and reportage by a major mainstream media, Channels Television, with its Anchor Seun Okinbaloye and its guest, Mr. Osita Chidoka, representing Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership; an action that has greatly undermined the political choice of the good people of Kogi State.
According to Justice Earl Warren; “Discussing a pending case can create a clear and present danger of influencing the court’s decision, and thus constitutes contempt of court.”
Channels Television’s so called review of the Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi State 2023 off-cycle election on the edition of Sunday Politics held on the 18th Day of August 2024, has raised questions and prompted our reaction, as it has consistently demonstrated a clear bias, promoting a particular narrative that favors one political party over others. This biased reporting has manifested in: selective reporting of facts, misrepresentation of events, unbalanced panel discussions, biased anchoring and commentary
The Impact of this, although it was tagged by Chidoka on his social media platform as Make up time, “Significant manipulations altered results in off-cycle Governorship Elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi” It is however nothing short of bias and sentiments orchestrated by manipulators to discredit the ruling of a competent court of law (i.e) at the tribunal, the court of appeal where the case has been, and is in review, pending judgment at the Supreme Court. This biased media reviewing has far-reaching consequences, including, eroding public trust in the media and the electoral process, undermining the authority of the judiciary and the democratic process, creating an uneven playing field for political candidates and further fueling tensions and conflicts among stakeholders and citizens of Kogi state.
May we reiterate that the selective reporting of facts, where only information that supports the favored party is presented, while contradictory evidence is ignored or downplayed, misrepresentation of events, where facts are distorted or manipulated to fit the desired narrative, unbalanced panel discussions, where the said guest is selected based on their willingness to support the favored party, rather than their expertise or diverse perspectives and finally biased anchoring and commentary, where anchors and commentators express clear support for one party, often using loaded language or leading questions will only cause chaos and raise unnecessary eyebrows, and also make a common man lose faith in the media, as it has disregarded the core ethics of journalism which is majorly a balanced reportage.
Also, talking, analyzing or reviewing a case that is already in court of competent jurisdiction is a total disregard to the judicial system and can potentially influence the judge’s or jury’s decision, which could lead to an unfair outcome. This is considered contempt of court because it can Influence the judge or jury and create public discussions that can shapen their opinions or biases, affecting their impartiality, constitute or create prejudice on the parties involved that is allowing for comments or analysis can create a negative or positive perception of the parties, influencing the case’s outcome, compromise the integrity of the judicial process, that is bringing external influences can undermine the court’s ability to make a fair decision based solely on the evidence presented. We expected Seun and Chidoka to know this and abide by the law and ethics that guide the noble media profession.
It is upon this backdrop that we, as concerned youth organization committed to promoting a fair, just, and equitable society, we are using this medium to urge the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to investigate Channels Television’s biased review, reportage and impose necessary sanctions for violating ethical standards. We believe that a free and fair press is essential to our democracy, but it must also be a responsible and ethical one. The NBC must take action to ensure that media outlets maintain the highest standards of objectivity, balance, and fairness.
Our Demands are thus;
1. Immediate investigation into Channels Television’s biased reporting, to determine the extent of the bias and Identify the intent.
2. Sanctions against Channels Television for violating ethical standards, including but not limited to fines, suspensions, or revocation of license.
3. Establishment of clear guidelines and regulations to prevent future biases.
4. Channels Television, Seun Okinbaloye acknowledge and apologize for their biased review and analysis.
We remain committed to promoting democracy and good governance in Kogi State and Nigeria, we are keen on holding those in power accountable for their actions and finally advocating for responsible media practices and ethical reporting.
Finally, we want to categorically urge all stakeholders to join us in this call for accountability and ethical reporting. Together, we can build a stronger democracy, where the media serves the public interest, not just special interests or sponsorships.
Thank you for your attention. God bless the people of Kogi State, and God bless Nigeria.
Signed;
Comrade Richard Otitoleke
Convener, Kogi New Generation Initiative ,
Senior Special Assistant to Kogi State Governor on Drug Rehabilitation.
