Media Institute of Southern Africa : Promoting Media Diversity . Pluralism . Self-Sufficiency . Independence

The proposal came during a breakfast meeting organized by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Swaziland chapter on 24 October 2008. The event, held in Mbabane, attracted four community and one commercial radio stations. MISA had organized the meeting to discuss the way forward following the approval of three community radio licences and one commercial.

The awarded stations were given until 24 October 2008, to demonstrate if they were ready to operate should they be issued with broadcasting licences. Among the requirements, the stations were required to submit proof of sustainable funding, registration and equipment.

Though the community radio stations had difficulty in meeting most of the requirements, they were able to respond on time and raised a number of issues with the Technical Committee tasked by government to issue the radio licences.

The community stations said they had difficulty in demonstrating their financial muscle as they would be relying on donors for survival and most donors would not guarantee funding until they see the licence. The same applied to equipment.

However, 1FM the only commercial radio stations to be promised a licence, was able to meet all requirements and were now waiting to receive a response or the licence to enable them to take to the airwaves.

As a way forward, the radio stations then proposed the Community and Commercial Radio Forum to coordinate their activities as well as work to assist them in fast-tracking the issuing of the licences.

MISA Swaziland will assist in the formation of the forum as well as continue to play an active role in influencing the government process to see the radio licences finally issued and the stations operating.

Background

The process to issue the licences before the end of the year is still on course following the Technical Committee’s invitation to the four radio stations to provide proof of capability to broadcast if they were to be issued with the licences. Initially, the community radio stations will be allowed a broadcast radius of 20km, subject to review if the need arose.

Indications are that Swaziland’s airwaves will finally be freed by the New Year when the new stations go on air. MISA Swaziland will continue to influence the process to fruition.

Nyasha Nyakunu
Research and Information Officer
MISA-Zimbabwe
84 McChlery Drive
Eastlea
Harare
Zimbabwe
Telefax: +263 4 776165/746838
Cell: +263 11 602 448
Email: misa@misazim.co.zw
Website: www.misazim.co.zw

Back