The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa has concluded the licensing process to issue Community Sound Broadcasting Service (“CSBS”) and Radio Frequency Spectrum (“RFS”) licences for the provision of community sound broadcasting services.
Out of the fifty-six (56) applications that were admitted to Phase 1 of the licensing process, only five (5) applicants complied in full, with all the pre-registration requirements and they were therefore, admitted to Phase 2 of the licensing process.
The second phase of the licensing process was undertaken in terms of section 17 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No. 36 of 2005) and in line with the criteria set out in Schedule B of the Invitation to Pre-Register (“ITP-R”).
The Authority is pleased to announce that the five (5) applicants were successful in the licensing process and were subsequently awarded CSBS and RFS licences. This achievement is a significant milestone and demonstrates the commitment and determination of these applicants to serve their respective communities.
Community radio sector is a beacon of diversity, bringing in the harmonious social cohesion while also uniting the voices of communities.
Community radio plays a big role in South Africa as a source of information, education, and entertainment. I encourage the successful applicants to use this vehicle to serve their communities and contribute to the diversity of the community broadcasting sector. It also remains important for community radio stations to comply with their license terms and conditions and have proper governance structures to ensure the success of the radio stations.
Adv. Luthando Mkumatela, Councillor, ICASA