SomalilandPress
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
HARGEISA (Somalilandpress) — Somaliland new administration has temporarily froze cooperation with Universal Television, which is based in London. Somaliland Minister of communication, Mr. Abdilahi Jama Osman ordered Universal Television to stop all of its operations in Somaliland starting today. This order came in press release from ministry of communication and press.
It is not clear the reason behind this abrupt decision. In the press release, Mr. Abdilahi Jama Osman accused Universal Television of biased converges of issues related to Somaliland politics. He said the Universal TV has continuously portrayed Somaliland in poor light and does not balance coverage of opposing sides. He added that Universal TV management did not respond to phone calls and clarifications requests from his ministry. The Minister didn’t give out specifics why he reached this decision at this time.
Somalilandpress was not able to reach Universal Television for comments.
Universal Television is the largest and most popular Somali channels. It is based in the UK and it covers most of the regions and Somali Diaspora in Europe and Northern America.
This is not the first time Universal TV faced disapproval in Somaliland. The TV station was subject o public anger over comments made by Universal TV host and his guest on a talk show. During the show Universal TV guest went on insulting Somaliland people without interruptions from the host. That incident created a large online campaign in Somaliland to boycott Universal TV.
Source: Somaliland Press