CHIEF Executive of National Communications Network (NCN), Mohamed Sattaur, along with senior managers of the entity, yesterday met with Chairman of the Elections Commission, Dr. Steve Surujbally, to clarify a number of issues as they relate to the broadcast of political messages.
The meeting was held following a request from GECOM to meet with the management of NCN. According to a press release from NCN, some of the areas of discussion related to reduced costs, free air time and paid broadcasts.
“The management of NCN reiterated their efforts to accommodate all political parties and stakeholders, including a sizeable reduction in the cost of advertising and programme time which has already been implemented,” the release said.
“The GECOM Chairman was also reminded of the offers of free air time on NCN which has its genesis in the historic intervention by GTV and GBC, and which was further enshrined in the 2006 as well as the current GECOM media code of conduct,” the release said.
According to the release, the meeting was an amicable one and ended with both parties agreeing to obtain approval for an increase in the amount of air time allocated to political parties, as well as the option of purchasing additional airtime on radio and television.