The October edition of the Media Foundation for West Africa’s (MFWA) monitoring of indecent and abusive language on radio in Niger has recorded increased incidents of indecent language on air among politicians.
During the monitoring period of October 1 to 31, 2020, a total of ten (10) indecent expressions were recorded on 134 programmes monitored from 13 selected radio stations broadcasting in the Niamey region. This represents an average of 13.4 indecent expressions per radio station as compared to the September report which recorded on average 6.9 indecent expressions per radio station.
The programmes monitored as part of the indecent language monitoring project included news bulletins, political debates, news programmes and current affairs shows aired on 10 radio stations.
The ten (10) indecent expressions were recorded by Mr. Hama Amadou and anonymous supporters of the MODEN FA LUMANA, which is the main opposition party in the country. The 10 indecent expressions are made up of unsubstantiated allegations and offensive language.
Two (02) indecent expressions were uttered by Hama Amadou within the period monitored. The remaining eight (08) were recorded by anonymous supporters of his party MODEN FA LUMANA.
Out of the 13 radio stations monitored during the period, six (06) recorded the use of indecent expressions. Niger 24 recorded the highest (04) number of indecent expressions followed by radio Tambara which recorded (02) two indecent language. Labari radio, bonferey radio, R&M radio, and Alternative radio, all recorded one (01) indecent expression each.
Considering the rise in the use of indecent expressions, MFWA urges all political parties to commit to an issue-based campaign and calls on media outlets to refrain from using their platforms for the dissemination of indecent expressions.
The language monitoring project is implemented in Niger by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in partnership with its national partner, the Niger Observatory for Media Ethics (ONIMED). The project aims at promoting an issue-based campaign and peaceful elections during the 2020 general elections in Niger. The project is being implemented in Ghana and Niger with funding support from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA).
The full report (in French) can be accessed here.
The Instrument being used for the monitoring of indecent language on radio, is also available here (French version).
For more information about the monitoring report, kindly contact Ibrahim Moussa, Project Officer at ONIMED, Niger: Tel: +227 96 56 78 63 or send a mail at:Â [email protected].
