The Governing Board of the National Communications Authority NCA, has approved the grant of Radio Broadcast Authorisations to a total of one hundred and thirty three (133) FM stations.
These include new applications from entities whose outlets were closed down after the 2017 FM Audit as well as existing stations which applied for renewal of their expired licenses. The approval by the Board is subject to the applicants’ participation in a sensitisation workshop on the terms and conditions of FM Radio Broadcasting Authorisations.
A statement by NCA explained that the workshop shall clarify the legal, regulatory, and technical requirements for the establishment and operation of an FM Radio Broadcasting station. It said provisional authorisations shall be issued to the successful applicants at the end of the workshop where frequencies shall be assigned to them only upon fulfillment of the conditions of the Provisional Authorisation.
The NCA by the statement reminded the public that per Section Two Clause 4 of the Electronic Communications Act 775 of 2008, a person shall not operate a broadcasting system or provide a broadcasting service without a frequency authorisation by the Authority. It adds that offenders are liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than three thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not more than 5 years or to both.