Somalia: Seven journalists quit Puntland State TV, coverage on the blink
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- Posted On 10-08-2015, 12:45PM
GAROWE, Somalia, August 10, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Seven journalists including editor and program producers ditched their jobs, putting the coverage of Puntland State Television on the blink, Garowe Online reports.
The mass desertions follow a series of strikes over misappropriated pays and abuses by Director-General Abdifatah Nur Qodah (Ashkir) who was appointed to the post on August 3, 2014.
In late September, state broadcaster staff members protested long overdue salaries, however. Strikebreaking measures carried on by the presidency quelled the lag in the coverage.
Italy-funded Puntland State TV was officially launched by President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali’s predecessor in 2013.
Though the station had since been accountable to the presidency, Ali brought the operation of the broadcaster under the watch of former Information minister and current Minister for Commerce Abdiweli Hirsi Abdulle(Indhoguran) afterwards.
The journalists blamed Indhoguran successor, Mohamud Hassan So’adde for prompting the departure of disgruntled station staff.
Garowe Online obtained the names of the seven TV anchormen and technicians
- Abdiqani Abdullahi Irbad-State TV Editor
- Abdirizak Hassan Abdi-News Anchor
- Mohamed Khalid Yusuf-labour matters head
- Mahad Hassan Gudal-Senior Technician
- Sharmarke Mohamed Warsame-Radio Programmes Head
- Ibrahim Musse Dahran-Journalist
- Azizo Musse Musse Abdikarin-Female Journalist
They recounted widespread abuses that have grown rife within the state broadcaster management, claiming that they have either not been paid or worked in difficulties for up to a year and half.
“Puntland State Television staff are like desert flowers, meaning that they are flowers in blossom. It is always beautiful, attractive and scented but if it blooms in dry desert, its beauty will be meaningless. The staffers are like the flower while the TV management mimics the desert,” Abdi posted on his facebook handle, signifying what seems to be apparent ridicule and growing discontent.
Garowe Online News Agency presents vast readership with online petition asking Puntland President to intervene between striking staff and the management of state broadcaster, Puntland State Television.
