The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has on Tuesday suspended Church-owned Television station, ABS for continued breach of minimum broadcasting standards.
A press statement signed by UCC executive director, Godfrey Mutabazi has revealed that “in spite of the several warnings and attempts to give the management of ABS television time to review its programs and avoid further broadcasting of offensive programs, ABS television has continued to broadcast programs that are contrary to the minimum broadcasting standards.”
UCC Senior communications manager Pamela Ankunda also confirmed this suspension to one state aided news-daily on Tuesday, indicating that all ABS’s broadcasts must stop immediately.
“The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), has, in accordance with sections 5(1) (x) and 41 of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Act 2013 and clause 24 of the license agreement dated 3rd May 2016, indefinitely suspended ABS Television’s broadcasting license until such a time when the commission shall be satisfied that ABS Television has modified and harmonized its program content with the law, the minimum broadcasting standards and the licence terms and conditions.” The statement, addressed to Managing director, Auger Revival Ministries limited said.
Godfrey Mutabazi said if the commission does not receive convincing representation from ABS Television demonstrating the measures instituted to ensure that all the programs have been modified to comply with the law, the commission shall commence proceedings to evoke their license without further notice.
This website reported last week that several Ugandans raised concern over ABS TV programs. A brief video clip from one of the station’s luganda news bulletin went viral as many sought to address the negative impact a skimpily dressed newscaster portrayed by turning a newsroom into a fashion studio. In other instances, some allegedly undressed to different outfits on live TV.
This was condemned as inappropriate and indecent programming especially for a church-based TV station.
Reactions from viewers evoked the illusion that a television station founded by a Church leader should strive at airing the very best in faith and family-friendly content for every age group.
Contrary to its output, ABS Television official profile reads that it intends to maintain the highest content quality standards and that it targets all classes of people from all corners of Uganda and outside Uganda, and of different religious backgrounds.
“The content is so crucial to our survival; in this regard we have contracted several independent producers as well as competent production houses to supply us with highest level and quality programs.” Partly reads the profile.
