NATCOM warns FM stations to be up to date
NATCOM, Sierra Leone’s telecommunications regulatory Commission, on Friday 13th April, 2012 held an interactive session with FM radio station broadcasters nationwide at the Shargai La, Lumley Beach in Freetown. (Photo: NATCOM Chairman, Siray Alpha Timbo)
The forum was to discuss views and concerns with regards the interference in radio frequencies nationwide.
Information and Communications Minister, Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo enlightened that the NATCOM Act created the Commission to supervise the spectrum board adding that the Independent Media Commission monitors and ensures a level playing field for all radio stations.
According to the Minister, the Ministry is responsible for policy making stressing “radio stations must operate within specified frequencies otherwise interference will take place for which I want to warn managers and proprietors of radio stations to improve on their equipments.”
Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo continued that if radio stations violate the Act, the Commission is at liberty to withdraw their licenses recalling, “recently, I received a complaint from the Commission that several radio stations are not honoring their financial obligations to the Commission that would affect its operations. Furthermore, NATCOM is contemplating on publishing the names of defaulters for which the Ministry has given the Commission a month’s notice for all defaulters to honor their dues.”
Siray Alpha Timbo, NATCOM Chairman, stated that the Commission would continue to look into the frequency interference issue and admonished managers and proprietors to adhere to the rules and regulations of the Commission for its smooth running.
NATCOM DG, Mohamed Bangura
NATCOM Director-General, Mohamed Bangura, who welcomed stakeholders, revealed that due to financial constraints, the Commission has given concession to community radio stations to pay $250 instead of $500.
Director of Finance, NATCOM, Abu Bakarr Jalloh disclosed that in 2009, 70 radio stations that registered owe the Commission $3,650 and that in 2010, the 75 radio stations that registered owe $7,596.
He continued that in 2011, 50% of the 81 radio stations that registered owe the Commission $16,598 and that this year, 97 registered but only 14 have honored their financial obligation with an outstanding debt of $ 24,200.
Abu Bakarr Jalloh also cautioned managers and proprietors to pay their dues after the expiration of the 21st May, 2012 grace period otherwise their stations would be shutdown.
President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Umaru Fofanah admonished managers of radio stations to be careful in their reportage, especially the forthcoming elections by strictly adhering to the IMC and NATCOM Code of Practice.
Umaru Fofanah also called on the Commission to speedily resolve the Africa Young Voices in Freetown and MAWOPNET radio station in Kambia issue over interference in their frequencies in addition to appealing to the Commission not to allow GSM operators to open radio stations apart from internet facilities.
Similar statements were also made by the IMC Chairperson, Rod Mac-Johnson and the member of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Information and Communications, Hon. Yapo Kondeh Conteh among others.
The highpoint of the meeting was the signing of the communiqué between NATCOM and station managers and proprietors while Ibrahim Kabia, NATCOM Consumer Welfare Commissioner, rendered the vote of thanks.
By A. R. Bedor
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