WHY SIERRA LEONE BROADCASTING ACT NOW? It is part of international best practice-South Africa as a case. Self regulation requires adequate legislative framework that may promote transparency, inclusion and competitiveness among media organizations promoting democracy and economic development. In this end, there is need for Sierra Leone to have a Broadcasting Act which will address the following: I. The problem of classification of different broadcasters using the spectrum II. The problem of transparent ownership of the stations registered as not for profit III. The problem of public or citizen access and participation in radio programs especially on issues bordering on democracy IV. The problem of giving license to certain owners or would be owners V. The problem of sustainability VI. The problem of accountability of all broadcasters- for profit and not for profit This Act will incorporate the SLBC and define regional broadcasters and national broadcasters in the family of the Public Service Broadcasters. In the same way it will provide the composition and competence of each governing board of the stations in this entity. For the community stations to be serving as not for profit clear information should be detailed in this Act: a. The AGM reports b. A democratically instituted board c. A gender sensitive representation of each board c. A constitution of each radio properly written d. A visible administrative structure e. Operating plans The stations that are for profit will also have specific public obligations in terms of decency, access and protection of views aired. This Sierra Leone Broadcasting Act will address the governing problem of Radio Democracy FM 98.1, Eastern Radio Kenema, Radio MODCAR Moyamba and several other community radio stations being hijacked by Implementing INDIVIDUALS or NGOs. An Article has been done on this subject to come out in the weekend.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Feb 2014 15:18:59 +0000
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