Should radio phone-ins be banned?

Most urban Africans now have a wide choice of radio stations

Since the advent of multi-party democracy in most parts of Africa since 1989, there has been an explosion of independent radio stations across the continent.

A common feature has been phone-in programmes where listeners are given direct access to the airwaves.

But now there are fears that such programmes foment trouble by allowing unguarded and irresponsible contributions from callers or guests.

For instance in Ghana, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has asked for phone-ins to be banned until after the December general elections.

The commission are concerned phone-in programmes do not have the mechanism to prevent defamatory or careless utterances that could breed violence.

In Uganda, authorities recently fined Radio Simba more than $1,000 and ordered the station to make a public apology for hosting homosexuals in a live talk.

Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda.

However there are established guidelines for live programmes. The BBC, for example, has its own procedures. Are such frameworks operating in Africa?

The BBC's Africa Live asks: Are phone-ins a threat to democracy?

What controls should live radio broadcasts be subject to?

Let us know your views by using the form on the right and join the debate on BBC's Africa Live Wednesday, 27 October at 1630 & 1830 GMT.

If you would like to take part in the discussion, include with your telephone number, which will not be published.

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Your Comments:

Is it not time for African leaders to start thinking of providing their citizens with basic rights such as food, clean water, a better health service and employment, rather than trying to ban radio phone-ins? Shame on you for breaching the people's only forum for freedom of expression in Africa
A Badjie, Gambian in UK

Everyone should be entitled and encouraged to air their views live on air. The corrupt dictators want to silence people but this should not be allowed. If a leader cannot stomach criticism, they should not be leaders!!!
Paul in US

In one of the most democratic societies in the world, the people of the US are free to speak their mind and communicate at will without any harassment from the government. Let people be free to communicate in Africa. The government should focus on stopping individuals from taking advantage of power entrusted to them when they are in office. The government should stop monopolising the media to communicate what they want. It is wrong.
Amauchechukwu A. Nzekwe, Nigeria

It is shameful to think of banning any media system in this age. It is the only watchdog for our governments. Please leave people alone to discuss their feelings about any government.
Anselm Uche Nzekwe, Nigeria

Freedom of expression must always be encouraged Kofi Amoah, Ghana

Banning phone-ins is not the best solution to strengthen the fragility of democracy in Africa. Freedom of expression must always be encouraged and when there is excess, there must be well defined and well structured legal institutions to resolve such grievances. The underlining factor here is the culture of intolerance and subscribing to the religion of those in power! Africans need self realisation that will eventually wipe out all ignorance and pave the way for individual creativity to spearhead social advancement. Once this is realised, self-seeking politicians will not be able to manipulate the people and create anarchy for personal gains.
Kofi Amoah, Ghana

The civil society in Nigeria was able to dismantle the shackles of dictatorship in the 90s because of powerful broadcast media like Ray Power FM 100.5 and African Independent Television (AIT). Not only was the opposition able to state their own side of the issue, it also helped clarify and correct wrong perceptions. If Africa is going to make any progress democratically, it must have the capacity to hear the voice of the 'man on the street' and consider his opinion. The truth as they say will always hurt.
Joel Bisina, Nigerian in the US

It will be a stab in the back of democracy if phone-ins are banned. Until we procure a device that will screen and take out the filth, let us live with it. Imagine if there are no phone-ins, people will harbour sentiments that will explode with unbearable consequences.
Freeman Tettey, Ghana

Why are African leaders so afraid of people expressing their opinions? Radio phone-ins should not be banned. People should have the right to express their opinions which is granted in most countries around the world. Phone-ins are popular because people have no other safe means of expressing themselves. Banning them will only further isolate the people. Surely stations can find other means to curtail irresponsible contributions.
Apollo, Canada

Phone-ins are a good way for Africans to express themselves. People in Zimbabwe get killed or tortured when they publicly voice their opinions, therefore, I support phone-ins 100% because you hear straight from the horses mouth. Africa needs to embrace this technology. This is not the stone age anymore.
Tandi Ngwizi, Zimbabwean in US

Defamatory or careless utterances which could breed violence can be established before going on air Yussuf Dayib, Kenya

FM stations and phone-ins lead democracy in Africa and should be encouraged by governments. Dictatorship will be a thing of the past and with the growth of democracy, the citizens will be able to discuss national issues through phone-ins. In Kenya, during the last general elections, phone-ins have lead to democracy and have increased. Defamatory or careless utterances which could breed violence can be established before going on air.
Yussuf Dayib, Kenya

Why should phone-ins be banned? It allows everybody to air his or her views whether good or bad. Banning them means suppressing the views of the deprived majority who have no voice. People who are suppressed too much could go too far to express their views. Let everybody participate!
Tanko Yussif Azzika, Ghanaian in Netherlands

Radio phone-ins are avenues where real opinions and views of the masses are expressed in line with the principles of democracy.
Christian Merenini, Nigeria

Radio phone-ins are good and give an opportunity for people to speak whose views have been suppressed by oppressive regimes for a long time. Some phone-ins in Kenya, however, portray people incorrectly and give misguided statements. Political comments should not be discussed in phone-ins - we all know what they did in Rwanda. Citizens in rural areas are being fed with a lot of political rhetoric through these phone-ins. This is likely to lead to tribal clashes as it has done in Rwanda and parts of the Rift Valley in Kenya. Sometimes the topics discussed are disgusting and irresponsible. The authorities should control these phone-in programmes.
Thomas Nyambane, Nairobi, Kenya

Talk radio is in its infancy and because of political development and democracy, it is used by the people to gage government policy. Not all comments are negative and some give different perspectives from the government. Banning phone-ins will be counter-productive and will stifle information flow. Various stations need to put in place standards for their listeners to adhere to.
Mohammed Sani Tsaibu, Nigeria

The only reason to ban phone-ins is that the government of any country is usually capable of controlling what the media say, but not the general public
Paul Duggan, Uk

There should be a better way to keep defiants from assaulting public sensibilities without throwing the baby out with the bath water Anieudo, Nigeria

This is defeatist and retrogressive. Criticism, sycophancy and genuine praise all constitute the mixed bag of a vibrant democracy. A responsible leader should be able to separate his ego from his office and differentiate between sense and nonsense. There should be a better way to keep defiants from assaulting public sensibilities without throwing the baby out with the bath water.
Anieudo, Nigeria

I used to work as a journalist hosting a phone-in programme in Malawi. This gives a chance for people to air their views who otherwise would not usually be heard, but it should be done with responsibility. If you abuse it, you stand to lose the chance of being heard at all. I used to cut off callers if all they wanted was to cause trouble and not contribute to a meaningful democracy
Wezi Phiri, UK

Democracy and freedom of speech are inseparable. Phone-ins are an extension of freedom of speech. They help people to debate and contribute to shaping opinion about a wide range of issues affecting their lives. Even when they can inflame passions, it is significant to note that phone-ins can be a source of intelligence for the authorities to know that danger is brewing. Banning phone-ins is not a good idea. Controlling phone-ins is a better option. As it's done on BBC Africa Live, Talking Point and the Today programme, callers should be interviewed off-air. Appropriate controls should be put in place in order to prevent trouble-makers from taking advantage of phone-ins to perpetrate mischief. Banning them simply means depriving the people of their right to freedom of expression. Let's not forget that radio provides the easiest access to voicing one's opinion.
Oyebode C.F., Nigeria

Banning phone-ins would be a move toward banning freedom of expression which is both a powerful weapon against corruption as well as an active vessel for democratic advancement.
Lambiv D. Gideon, Cameroonian in Belgium

Phone-ins are not a problem. They are one of the best ways people can share ideas and access masses of people
Khutso Mphasha, Johannesburg, South Africa

Phone-ins are a road to freedom for these people. Throughout Africa, people have not had the opportunity to speak their mind. Imagine if Zimbabweans had this opportunity?
Scott, US

Absolutely not. Phone-in programmes should be encouraged at all levels in society. It's the only time when people can air their views without any fear of being molested by the authorities.
Amajam A Chibok, Saudi Arabia

Radio stations should try to balance decency and constructive free speech based on the culture of the local community. In my view, it was wrong to discuss homosexuality in Uganda as it is illegal. Radio stations should discuss local issues and not be tempted to touch on foreign issues that would be of little or no importance.
Kariuki H.K, Uk

In Uganda, It's common practice for those in power to plant callers who will support an issue that's being contested on air Opolot Abwooloong, Kampala, Uganda

Phone-ins give those in power the chance to express their opinions freely. However, in Uganda, it's common practice for those in power to plant callers who will support an issue that's being contested on air. This hoodwinks the listeners.
Opolot Abwooloong, Kampala, Uganda

Ghana is not the only country that has banned phone-ins. Even in Botswana, the same thing happened in 2003. There is nothing wrong with phone-ins as long as people present their views openly but constructively. Defamation of character and the use of obscene language should not be allowed. In Botswana, the government banned phone-ins because they felt threatened. Ghanaians should not allow the same to happen in their country as this taints their democracy. Democracy in Africa is only in writing and does not exist on the ground.
Bosch, Botswana

Any person, government or its agency that conceives the idea of banning radio phone-ins is anti democratic. Radio is the only medium by which the common man can express his voice to all. If there is a way to censor callers, this is better, because having the opportunity to express oneself live on air is not a guarantee that one will not open his or her mouth too wide.
Benjakiamin, Joseph Z, Nigeria

Such a direct facility for ordinary people to say what they think should be encouraged. It is a measure of maturity of a nation. In Africa, dictatorships thrive because people are not allowed to think, let alone speak. In my country you could be shot for trying to tell someone else what you are thinking. Broadcasting it would never be allowed while this dictatorship remains.
Benson Magaba, Zimbabwe

Banning phone-in programmes in emerging democracies in Africa would be akin to giving someone a rose and cutting off their noses. Let's have them regulated, but that should be all really. We will not go far any other way.
Jesse Masai, Kenya

Phone-ins are never a threat to democracy. Governments ban phone-ins as a way of censoring the media to frustrate a popular ideal. In a democracy even 'fools' should be given chance to speak out their minds.
Mazuba Mwiinga, Monze, Zambia

Yes, ban it as soon as possible! This is not part of our culture. Africa is not the western world.
Bernard Ogbuagu, Nigeria

I wouldn't say the phone-in should be banned, but I don't believe it's a useful format as the hosts often encourage populist "common sense" (often common idiocy) opinions and ridicule dissenting opinions. Also they often rely on a man with a powerful voice who is able to ridicule and talk down callers.
Yusuf Smith, Uk

Any country that embraces democracy should allow its citizens to air their views on any issue without fear. Freedom of speech is one's fundamental right. Phone-in programmes make nations more democratic and empower people in many ways. Unfortunately, there are many African countries which are undemocratic and keep their citizens voiceless.
Albert P'Rayan, Kigali, Rwanda

In Ghana, since majority of the people cannot afford to use their money to make phone calls to radio stations, the rich (ie politicians) give them money and messages to air on radios. Kwame, London

The idea of free speech cannot be wrong. But it can become a tool for dictatorship. In Ghana, since majority of the people cannot afford to use their money to make phone calls to radio stations, the rich (ie politicians) give them money and messages to air on radios. I was listening to a phone-in where some people called in and said a particular political party was making peoples genitals vanish so that they can win an election. The radio host replied by saying he believed it was going on, he then advised the public not to shake hands with strangers to avoid loosing their genitals. Radio phone-ins must remain but radio stations must educate their listeners about what is acceptable, they must also take responsibility for whatever chaos they cause during their radio programmes.
Kwame, London

I believe it is the best medium of letting people register their feelings especially in countries where the so-called leaders do not have "undiluted" information about people's needs and desire. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. The fact that the opposition might want to use that medium against a ruling party doesn't mean that opposition parties do not say right things at times. No man (or party) has monopoly of wisdom.
Anthony Arojojoye, Lagos, Nigeria

This would be a huge mistake to ban call-in programmes and a setback for free speech. The example of homosexuality is perfect. While it is illegal and a very sensitive topic in most of Africa, it exists and not to acknowledge it breeds oppression. Africa should be proud of the number of phone-ins available. Unless you are conservative or really like automobiles,there are very few of these programmes in the States.
Christian Reed, Florida, USA

Must the common person be deprived of his or her only means of letting off steam on issues affecting humanity, more so Africa? To say the least, Africa has already brewed her own troubles and the more people voice out, the better so that pressures can be deflated. It is about time Africans talked.
Shuttie F.N.Libuta, Zambia

Having being denied for many years, many Africans now use their new press freedom like a baby discovering a toy. They are kicking it about, turning it around and tossing it over and over. Daniel Mensah Brande, Liberia

Radio is a double-edged sword. In a hand of a fool, it can be used to destroy a whole society as evidenced by the 1994 Rwandan genocide ignited by a radio announcement. On the other hand, the wise can use radio to unite a people and motivate them to increase productivity and live in peace. Water, it is said, finds its own level. Having being denied for many years the right to freedom of expression, many Africans now use their new press freedom like a baby discovering a toy. They are kicking it about, turning it around and tossing it over and over. I am, however, convinced that with time Africans will find their level with the use of the phone-system. What should be done now is to have well-qualified presenters who can effectively control the programmes and nip looming dangers in the bud.
Daniel Mensah Brande, Ghanaian in Liberia

Phone programmes create unnecessary tensions in communities. Callers can incite parties that are at conflict by using inflammatory words and this can be disastrous for us. A clear example is the case of Ghana where political opponents have resorted to the use of phone-in to castigate and insult each other. There is a need to put some measures in place but not by necessarily banning it. Radio stations should be held responsible for inflammatory statements in phone-ins.
Raymond Wekem Avatim, Ghana

In a country where democracy exists, I think it should be allowed because it educates the people especially the rural folks who don't have access to facilities like TV and newspaper. We know that in Africa callers don't abuse but they analyse the situation . It's also the duties of radio station to cut abusive callers.
Regina, Kenya

You must be able to have a say. African people should have this freedom to comment on their country and other issues! Let's hear the views of the public, and not the government!
Ngoma, Malawi

Phone-in programmes should continue but the radio stations should set guidelines for the listeners to adhere to. Listeners should learn to contribute with sense, otherwise we will be abusing our freedom of speech.
Hajir, Sweden

They should not ban it simply because during election year most political party agents rig elections. It can help reduce the rigging, like it happened in 1992 and 1996 In Ghana. One must be pay the full price for democracy.
Naa, USA

Call-in programmes should not be live, they should be edited first before broadcast. Some unscrupulous callers are just there to fan instability.
Che Che Eugene, Buea, Cameroon

Absolutely not. What radio talk shows should do is to invest in technology that allows them to screen a caller before airing their views. The hosts should not hesitate to cut off an inflammatory caller
E. K., Ghana

It should be a big set back towards democracy in Africa if phone-ins programs are banned. I believe those people want to dispel phone- ins programs because of they fear the power of the media, not because, it will bring violence. If that is the case, why don't they ban cell phones too!
Peter Tuach, USA

I simply believe that hosts or presenters of such talk shows should strictly regulate the contributions of such callers and reserve the right to take them off-air if they are simply out of control; rather than a complete moratorium on such phone-ins.
Jonathan Teye, Ghana

It is widely believed that in Ghana, some people pay serial callers to speak on their behalf and by so doing block the chance of the ordinary man on the street to vent their spleen Abubakar Ibrahim, Ghana

If we say we are for democracy then we should go the full throttle. It is a price we have to pay for our chosing democracy and people should know that. It is widely believed that in Ghana, some people pay serial callers to speak on their behalf and by so doing block the chance of the ordinary man on the street to vent their spleen. Nevertheless, Joy FM, a local radio station and a couple of others have set the preceedence; that is if you go sour, filthy or sassy with your language they cut you off the line for civility sake. Much as i advocate phone - ins, it will be a nice idea if calls in Africa are screened like the way BBC does it. By so doing you get callers who are refined, systematic and well organised as well as very civil in their contribution.
Abubakar Ibrahim, Ghana

Phone in's can be a chance to hear a view other than that of the government's. Even in Zimbabwe, radio-phone in's have been known to contain some forms of dissent not seen in the controlled propaganda.
Matt, UK

There should be commissions or authorities to curb abuses and fine radio stations that violate broadcasting regulations in their respective countries Jura Perez, Miami, Florida

Africa has made such a foward leap with democracy and is still undergoing the process. Independent radio has made this possible. Phone-in radio is a must for Africa to cool down emotions and also expose others to accept other people's opinions and understand their thoughts. Banning this type of radio will be detrimental for any country. There should be commissions or authorities to curb abuses and fine radio stations that violate broadcasting regulations in their respective countries. Regulations, and not banning, is what Africa's phone-in radios need.
Jura Perez, Miami, Florida, USA

Phone-in programmes should stay. It helps the government to know its lapses in order to maintain good governance. Only a leader who comes from an indisciplined home will not encourage critics. Afterall when they were in opposition, they criticized the party in power, why discourage criticism now?
Sierra Leone

A dangerous trend is developing in African countries like Nigeria where the rulers ban any means used to express disillusion. The authorities claim it to be a threat to democracy. That in itself is a threat to the same democracy and should be addressed seriously. Why can't African leaders listen objectively to opposing views?
Mary Ero, Nigeria

The leaders mainly in the developing nations should learn how to 'stomach' free spech.
Jimmy Ssebatta, UK