NCN explains policy with advertisements from political parties
NATIONAL Communications Network (NCN) has disclosed that an advertisement by the Alliance for Change (AFC), presented for broadcast, was forwarded to the entity’s lawyer for advice, as it was found to contain claims that were publicly refuted by Office of the President.
A statement from NCN quoted the lawyer as stating: “Publication of the said advertisement shall make the company network liable to defamation proceedings being brought against it.”
Consequently, NCN said it advised AFC’s agent that it would be unable to broadcast the advertisement in its present form.
The statement said: “With much dismay, NCN noted the party’s comments at its press conference regarding the airing of the advertisement and further demanding that its political rallies be aired in their entirety by NCN.
“The management of NCN would like to state, publicly, that our dealings with all of the political parties contesting the general elections are done through their respective advertising agencies in accordance with broadcast orders issued by the agency.
“We have not received any requests from the AFC or their agent for the airing of paid programmes including rallies. We stand ready to deal with the AFC on the same basis that we are currently dealing with other political parties.
“NCN has communicated to all political parties the policies and procedures governing the processing of such requests. The agency acting on behalf of the AFC is well aware of such procedures.
“NCN has made every effort to facilitate all political parties in the run-up to this year’s elections and has responded to concerns of various stakeholders, including the Chairman of GECOM, by the granting of concessions in the form of rate reductions and increased access to free airtime.
“We encourage all stakeholders to join us in an effort to ensure a smooth election process,” the statement concluded.