The National Communications Council (CNC), the media regulatory body in Guinea on November 4, 2008 ordered the management of Familia FM , a community radio station in Conakry to ceased transmission for allegedly broadcasting information which the CNC claimed could “disturb ‘the’ public peace” of the country.

Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)’s correspondent reported that following the directive the station is now of the airwaves. A reporter of the station said they did not receive written notice from the CNC, but they heard of the suspension on the national radio.

The correspondent said Mounir Camara, the CNC chairman announced that Familia FM had illegally operating outside its boundary of a community radio and therefore he has withdrawn “the broadcasting license until further notice”.

Familia FM is a popular private community radio station that specializes in social issues but has no rights to do any broadcasts other than news bulletins.

MFWA is worried about the tendency of the CNC to order suspensions of the media in Guinea. We call on the body to as a matter of urgency lift the suspension and desist from misuse of its powers and authority, and rather ensure that the media in Guinea operate without interference.

Media Foundation for West Africa