By Mackie M. Jalloh
The Independent Media Commission (IMC) has strongly condemned the malicious impersonation of Radio Bo Kiss 104.1 FM, following the circulation of a misleading audio broadcast on WhatsApp that misrepresented the station’s involvement in spreading false and inflammatory claims.
The audio falsely states that musician Lansana Sheriff, popularly known as Steady Bongo, had been killed by gunshot, a claim that was completely unfounded and contradicted by official reports confirming his death from a motorbike accident.
In the statement released on December 16, 2024, the IMC described the impersonation as an unethical act has the potential to damage the credibility of Radio Bo Kiss 104.1 FM and to fuel tribal tensions and disrupt national peace. The fabricated claims about Steady Bongo’s death, accompanied by incendiary remarks, intended to incite divisions among different ethnic groups, posed a serious threat to the country’s stability.
The IMC expressed grave concern over the impact of such disinformation, particularly through platforms like WhatsApp, in which misinformation can spread quickly, often without verification.
The audio broadcast was quickly circulated on social media, causing widespread confusion and unrest. The content of the message included unfounded accusations that could incite tribal hatred, further exacerbating the potential for social discord in Sierra Leone.
The IMC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the integrity of licensed media institutions, calling the impersonation a direct attack on the responsible and ethical journalism upheld by media outlets like Radio Bo Kiss 104.1 FM. The Commission also praised the swift response of the station’s management, which immediately distanced itself from the fraudulent broadcast and worked to clarify the facts regarding the musician’s death. The station has demonstrated professionalism by ensuring the public was aware that the claims were not their own, and that they were committed to truthful and responsible broadcasting.
Khalil Kallon, the Executive Secretary of the IMC, emphasized the importance of media institutions adhering to ethical standards and ensuring the accuracy of their reporting. The IMC’s swift condemnation of the incident underscores the need for greater vigilance in the media landscape, particularly in an age where digital platforms facilitate the rapid spread of information. The IMC called on the public to be cautious when sharing content on social media, urging people to verify the credibility of sources before forwarding potentially harmful messages.
In addition to condemning the incident, the IMC announced that it would be launching a thorough investigation to identify the individuals responsible for the impersonation. The perpetrators, once identified, will face legal consequences, with the IMC ensuring that they are held accountable under Sierra Leone’s laws. This action is part of the Commission’s broader mandate to protect the media environment from threats that compromise its integrity.
The IMC also appealed to all media practitioners, including station managers, editors, and journalists, to uphold professional standards. Ethical reporting is critical to ensuring that the media contributes positively to national development, fostering unity, and promoting peace. The Commission reminded the media industry of the importance of adhering to the IMC Act of 2020 and the Media Regulations of 2022, which set clear guidelines for responsible journalism.
Furthermore, the IMC issued a call to the public to act responsibly when using social media. The Commission reminded citizens that social platforms should be used to promote accurate information and positive discourse rather than the spread of harmful falsehoods. Disinformation and hate speech, especially when they misrepresent legitimate media institutions, can erode public trust and destabilize the country’s peace.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility that both media institutions and the public bear in ensuring the integrity and peaceful coexistence within Sierra Leone’s society. The IMC’s strong stance on this matter sends a clear message that it will not tolerate acts that undermine the media’s role in promoting truth, transparency, and national unity.
The IMC has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards actions that harm the credibility of the media and endanger public safety. It assured the public that it would continue to take all necessary steps to safeguard the media’s integrity and ensure that the perpetrators of such actions are brought to justice.
This press release marks the IMC’s commitment to protecting the nation from the harmful effects of misinformation and reinforcing the importance of responsible media practices.
