Monrovia – A Liberian journalist is calling for the immediate ban of the popular Nigerian reality TV show Big Brother Naija in Liberia, describing it as “live pornography” that threatens the nation’s cultural and moral values.
Charles B. Yates, a journalist with Integrity Watch Liberia, made the statement during the weekend, urging the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) to take urgent action. He specifically called on Assistant Minister for Motion Picture, Rufus Paul, to intervene and halt the show’s broadcast in the country.
“Big Brother Naija is exposing our kids to early sexual activities and immoral behavior. This live stream should be restricted or blocked in Liberia,” Yates said.
Yates also took aim at businessman Simeon Freeman, operator of DStv Liberia, accusing him of economic exploitation. He claimed Freeman is “looting” from Liberians by allegedly charging higher subscription fees than those in Nigeria. According to Yates, this pricing disparity is pushing many Liberians to seek alternative access to DStv Nigeria services, which are reportedly more affordable.
He called on MICAT not only to regulate DSTV pricing structures in Liberia but also to take a firm stance against the continued broadcast of Big Brother Naija, which he believes is harmful to the country’s social fabric.
“The government’s failure to act is not just a cultural issue but an economic one,” Yates warned. “We must protect both our values and our people from exploitation.”
