The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) yesterday had signed an agreement with six media channels, to broadcast a drama series created by the Commission. What was remarkable about the signing ceremony was that even though the agreement was signed with six channels, ACC only had acknowledged the presence of the state broadcaster alone.
The series produced by ACC is a 26 episode drama “Bithu fangi 2”, centering on the theme of corruption and its ill effects. The episodes are to be broadcast freely by the broadcasters.
The only privilege the other five channels had was a photo-op at the end of the ceremony. ACC had failed to even mention the names of the other partner channels.
There are a number of media channels run in the country. When media channels agree to free up time to broadcast a program, that by itself does not generate any revenue to the channel, it is mere common decency to at least mention their names or acknowledge the service they are providing.
In similar ceremonies, any individual or party who had contributed to the initiative is noted and thanked for their assistance and efforts, whether big or small.
The name “Bithu fangi” was originally a contribution made by VTV. The episodes of “Bithu fangi 1” was broadcast free of charge on the channel.
One can argue that it was a simple faux pa, but the fact that such an oversight had occurred, from a Commission that preaches integrity, raises questions on the integrity of the Commission itself.
Private broadcasters have gone above their mandate when it comes to social responsibilities; raising awareness on key issues and helping to improve the social fabric of the society. The work carried out by PSM is exemplary; the modern changes ushered to the station is noteworthy.
In the past seven years Miadhu had covered almost all such agreement signings but this case is a first in the paper’s history.
ACC double standards on media channels
