By Randall George GNN Reporter
Amid of the continues delay on the part of the Liberian Government to grant operating license to the independent Punch FM radio station, operated by the One Media Incorporated , Lofa County District #3 Representative, Clarence Massaquoi is calling for an investigation into licensing of media institutions in the country by the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism.
The Lofa County lawmaker’s call comes in the wake of the government of Liberia’s alleged refusal to issue the ‘Punch FM’ operating license after the institution had reportedly met all legal requirements to run as a media entity.
Speaking to Journalists in his capitol building office in Monrovia, the Lofa County lawmaker said he called for investigation is to protect the media and free Press which is important to building a strong democracy.
Representative Massaquoi further stated that it has been realized that tones of new media institutions are been licensed; while others are alleging to be denied.
Something which according to the veteran legislator, said in his mind, is an affront to the entire media body in Liberia.
Representative Massaquoi who is now sitting as a successful second-term legislator also noted that, as a Democratic person, free media is an important component of Liberia’s democracy.
Meanwhile, Representative Massaquoi has written communication to the Plenary of the House of Representatives craving its indulgence to invite before it the Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism to give reason(s) why the ministry allegedly discontinued the granting of operating permits to some media institutions in Liberia on grounds that the ministry needed to review system, while others have been granted permits since more than two years ago.
However, the House of Representatives during its 43rd day sitting referred the matter to its committee on Information chaired by Representative Ivar Jones of Margibi County.
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