2015 Elections: CNN Rejects Nigerian Political Adverts

CNN has reportedly been refusing advertisements with political messages meaning that anything that has to do with the 2015 elections will not be accepted. According to reports, Nigerian politicians will not have the privilege of featuring their adverts on America’s Cable News Network, popularly known as CNN. The Cable is reporting that CNN has been refusing advertisements with political messages meaning that anything that has to do with the 2015 elections will not be accepted. CNN adverts are reported to be among the most expensive in the world, costing as much as N5 million for a 30-second run, but they are still very much favoured because of the channel’s reputation. A consultant to a Nigerian presidential aspirant told The Cable: “We approached CNN agents in Nigeria to place some adverts for our principal. We sent the creative to them as requested and they returned them saying they do not run commercials that are intended to campaign for votes. We could not believe it.” The account manager of CNN International, Ashley Hogan-Gancarz however said that the network is not just refusing Nigerians as it is a general rule not to accept certain adverts. “CNN International never accepted political or religious advertising. This is due to Ofcom regulations.” “If you want to promote investment, opportunities etc. that would be fine but nothing to do with politics or the 2015 election,” she said. CNN International oversees it African operations from the UK and Ofcom regulates the nation's communications sector. Nigeria’s President, Goodluck Jonathan is set to officially declare his interest in a second term today, November 11 and event is expected to hold in 3 countries including the UK and the US.