SECTOR 3 The NMC is considerably under-resourced, and is making efforts to continue its function of monitoring the media. “NMC members are actively lobbying the powers that be to resource the organisation, but this is not good for our independence.” Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 2.5 (2006: n/a; 2008: n/a; 2011: 1.3) 3.3 The body, which regulates broadcasting services and licences, does so in the public interest and ensures fairness and a diversity of views broadly representing society at large. Both the NMC and the NCA regulate broadcasting services and licences, with the NCA charged with technical oversight, and the NMC content oversight. “The NCA issues licences, but does not concern itself with diversity of views. It can also issue licenses independent of the NMC. This means we don’t have a body that ensures fairness and diversity of views, so the situation of the media appears to be very vulnerable in this regard.” The process of issuing broadcasting licences is not very transparent, and even where all the information has been provided and the requirements are met, the NCA has the discretion to grant or refuse a licence. “Sometimes the responses seem unwarranted, and it seems it is protecting the interests of the government that is in power.” Some entities have been denied licences, with the excuse that the area applied for was already over subscribed with other broadcasters. In these cases, they were advised to move to a different region. 48 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER GHANA 2013