The Lord is not my shepherd: Presenter sacked over gospel songs
An Eagle FM presenter has been fired for playing religious songs on air on Sunday, in contravention of the station's regulations that it not be affiliated with specific religious beliefs.
Eagle FM owner John Walenga took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday at around 22:09 and tweeted: “Whoever is on air on [Eagle FM] right now is in violation of what she stands for. [Eagle FM] is areligious and apolitical. Whoever she/he [is] is fired with immediate effect."
Risk of alienating listeners
Nghinomenwa Erastus, in charge of content production for the commercial talk radio, told Namibian Sun that the dismissed presenter, who has only been identified as Bernadette, was a temporary employee brought in to assist on weekends.
Erastus said the radio station aims to cater to everyone, and aligning themselves with a particular religion poses the risk of excluding others.
He said any discourse supporting the community is welcome at their radio station.
Inclusive listening
“What this presenter did is a big deal. It goes against what we stand for. We do not want to have exclusion of Christians, Muslims and other religions, so we do not take direction in order to include everyone and facilitate a conversation which promotes unity,” Erastus said.
He said current global conflicts are the result of religious divisions.
“We are a small country and we are already working on tribal balance. If you believe in a tree, in Christianity or anything else, do come through – you are welcome,” Erastus said.
'Non-negotiable rule'
He said the contributor violated the station's rules and regulations, prompting management's decision to have her removed with immediate effect.
“[She] broke one of the most important and non-negotiable rules – when you have a playlist that just promotes one religion. That is a straightforward rule. If you cross that line, we cannot allow you to go forward," he said.
"I will not mention the religion of the songs that were played because it will make us look like we are against that particular one,” he added.
Labour law stipulations
Asked if the presenter was granted a hearing to state her case before being sacked, Erastus argued that she was not permanently employed.
“This person was a contributor and not a permanent employee. Her conditions are not like those of permanent employees.
“She is just a contributor who has a platform and should operate in line with our parameters. Failure to do that – we end the relationship."
Labour consultant Olsen Kahiriri said the Labour Act also protects the rights of those employed on a short-term basis.
“Whether an employee is on a fixed-term or permanent contract, you’re still obliged to follow the labour law,” he said.
“A disciplinary hearing is the only way stipulated in law through which you may get rid of an employee. A person cannot be pronounced guilty without that process being undertaken.”
The company could also not divulge details regarding whether the contributor was being paid or working pro-bono.
Namibian Sun was unable to reach Bernadette, and Walenga could not be reached for comment.
Eagle FM owner John Walenga took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday at around 22:09 and tweeted: “Whoever is on air on [Eagle FM] right now is in violation of what she stands for. [Eagle FM] is areligious and apolitical. Whoever she/he [is] is fired with immediate effect."
Risk of alienating listeners
Nghinomenwa Erastus, in charge of content production for the commercial talk radio, told Namibian Sun that the dismissed presenter, who has only been identified as Bernadette, was a temporary employee brought in to assist on weekends.
Erastus said the radio station aims to cater to everyone, and aligning themselves with a particular religion poses the risk of excluding others.
He said any discourse supporting the community is welcome at their radio station.
Inclusive listening
“What this presenter did is a big deal. It goes against what we stand for. We do not want to have exclusion of Christians, Muslims and other religions, so we do not take direction in order to include everyone and facilitate a conversation which promotes unity,” Erastus said.
He said current global conflicts are the result of religious divisions.
“We are a small country and we are already working on tribal balance. If you believe in a tree, in Christianity or anything else, do come through – you are welcome,” Erastus said.
'Non-negotiable rule'
He said the contributor violated the station's rules and regulations, prompting management's decision to have her removed with immediate effect.
“[She] broke one of the most important and non-negotiable rules – when you have a playlist that just promotes one religion. That is a straightforward rule. If you cross that line, we cannot allow you to go forward," he said.
"I will not mention the religion of the songs that were played because it will make us look like we are against that particular one,” he added.
Labour law stipulations
Asked if the presenter was granted a hearing to state her case before being sacked, Erastus argued that she was not permanently employed.
“This person was a contributor and not a permanent employee. Her conditions are not like those of permanent employees.
“She is just a contributor who has a platform and should operate in line with our parameters. Failure to do that – we end the relationship."
Labour consultant Olsen Kahiriri said the Labour Act also protects the rights of those employed on a short-term basis.
“Whether an employee is on a fixed-term or permanent contract, you’re still obliged to follow the labour law,” he said.
“A disciplinary hearing is the only way stipulated in law through which you may get rid of an employee. A person cannot be pronounced guilty without that process being undertaken.”
The company could also not divulge details regarding whether the contributor was being paid or working pro-bono.
Namibian Sun was unable to reach Bernadette, and Walenga could not be reached for comment.
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