United Television (UTV), a division of the Despite Media Group, has officially addressed the recent disturbance caused by individuals identified with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) at its studios. The incident has raised questions about the state of media freedom and politically-motivated aggression targeting the press.
In a statement dated October 10, 2023, UTV both denounced the intrusion and guaranteed reinforced security measures for the well-being of its employees and partners. The station expressed gratitude to the police for their timely intervention and to various media and political entities for their supportive outreach post-incident.
UTV affirmed, “We remain rooted in our core values as an independent media entity. Such unsettling incidents will not sway our commitment. Our main goal is to consistently deliver quality news and programming while prioritizing the safety and welfare of everyone involved.”
Following the disruption of their “United Showbiz” program, which the intruders claimed held an anti-government bias, police detained 16 individuals at the scene. All have since been released on bail.
The statement further read: “We condemn this act of hostility as it infringes upon our fundamental human rights, media independence, and the principles outlined in the 1992 Constitution. We’re proactive in adopting security and legal protocols to prevent any similar future disruptions.”
In a show of support, NPP leadership visited UTV, condemning the act and offering their apologies. They assured the station of efforts to prevent any such incidents in the future.
The media house concluded, “Our dedication to unbiased journalism and a safe platform for diverse opinions remains unwavering. We are thankful for the continued support from our audience, partners, and all stakeholders.”
