PAYNESVILLE, Montserrado – The Liberia Broadcasting System has reacted to criticisms that it provided unequal access to candidates and political parties during the period of the October 10 presidential and representative elections.

The LBS management has clarified that it has had no standing policy directives or editorial guidance to deny or exclude any political parties or their supporters of the use of its outlets.

The clarification followed a series of comments from political parties, international elections observers, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens accusing the state-owned broadcaster of providing more coverage on its platforms to the ruling Unity Party and its presidential candidate, Joseph Boakai, compared to those in the opposition.

The Bush Chicken had previously noted in an editorial that coverage on the state broadcaster has been overwhelmingly tilted in favor of Boakai and the ruling party. Journalists corresponding for ELBC Radio across the country have generally adopted a tune in support of the ruling establishment.

In a preliminary statement issued following the conduct of polls on October 10, the European Union Election Observer Mission to Liberia spoke strongly against the “imbalanced coverage” provided by the state-owned broadcaster.

According to the mission, the situation affected the right of access to media by candidates with less financial capacity.

Opposition political parties have also complained about the biased coverage of the elections by the broadcaster.

Prior to the opening of official political campaigning, Liberty Party’s presidential candidate, Charles Brumskine, described the current LBS management team as the “talking tool” of the campaign team for Boakai and his party.

At the closing of his meeting with Farid Zarif, the head of UNMIL, Brumskine said that the management team at ELBC is running a campaign for the ruling Unity Party and reporting negative things about his Liberty Party.

“This is something that should not be happening in a country of ours,” Brumskine declared.

He described the action of the state broadcaster as wrong and unacceptable, noting that a “majority of the population does not support Boakai.”

“Taxpayers’ monies are used to pay the salaries of operatives at ELBC,” he added.

In the statement issued Wednesday, the LBS management acknowledged the issues raised against its coverage during the first round of elections and welcomed the assessment reports.

It, however, reaffirmed that its radio ELBC Radio and the national television media channels are open for use by all political parties and encouraged political parties to take advantage of the access.

Meanwhile, as part of steps to address the concerns raised, the management said it would allocate free and equal airtime for political parties on radio and television for jingles, spot messages, and announcements during the eminent run-off of the presidential race.

However, the management disclosed that its live broadcast facility would be available on a first-come, first serve basis, with fees charged. It is encouraging political parties to request the service in advance, to avoid a clash in scheduling and timing.

LBS said access to its flagship programs, including the Super Morning Show and the Bumper Show, would equally be provided to political parties.

“Meanwhile, the LBS management is cautioning all of its employees, especially, the editorial staffs and journalists to exercise a high degree of professionalism and editorial balance and credibility at all times when carrying out their respective duties,” the statement read.

The LBS management also said it has, with immediate effect, suspended the airing of the popular Saturday morning satire radio program, “the SAM Jam,” because of the presenters’ breach of editorial guidelines regarding production and presentation.

An editorial review of the program is scheduled.

Featured photo by Brittany Danisch