Own Correspondent
Youth Broadcasting (Y-FM), a community radio station in Bulawayo, has petitioned Emakhandeni Luveve MP Descent Bajila to lobby for a broadcasting license on their behalf in Parliament. Y-FM director Philani Ncube expressed frustration over the government’s response, citing the limited number of community radios licensed despite the country’s 15 million population.
“As officials in the Information ministry once said, licensing depends on spectrum availability, but we reject this because other Southern African Development Community countries have successfully licensed many community radios,” Ncube said.
Y-FM has been applying for a license for years, questioning the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe’s (BAZ) criteria requiring applicants to wait for a call for applications.
Background on Community Radio Licensing
- The Broadcasting Services Act may be amended to require BAZ to call for license applications twice a year, subject to spectrum availability.
- Community radios can be licensed using available frequencies without interruptions ².
- BAZ faces technical limitations due to limited national frequencies.
Ncube emphasized that frequencies used by licensed community radios, broadcasting within a 20-25km radius, can accommodate more community radios.
“We’re not satisfied with the frequency excuse. We’re seeking clarity on frequency issues and appealing to Deputy Minister Omphile Marupi to urgently address this,” Ncube said.
Y-FM petitioned the government through Parliament in 2020, seeking changes to the licensing process.
Key Demands
- Amend the Broadcasting Services Act to obligate BAZ to call for license applications twice a year.
- Increase transparency in frequency allocation.
- License more community radios to serve the population.
By rewriting the Broadcasting Services Act, the government can address Y-FM’s concerns and pave the way for more community radios to serve Zimbabwe’s diverse population.
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