SECTOR 3

Broadcasting regulation is transparent
and independent; the State broadcaster
is transformed into a truly public
broadcaster.
3.1 Broadcasting legislation has been passed and is implemented that provides for a conducive environment
for public, commercial and community broadcasting.
With regard to Public Broadcasting, in Mozambique, firstly it must be explained
that this is subdivided into two main companies, Rádio Moçambique and Televisão
de Moçambique; as opposed to most countries, where Radio and Televison are
merged into one single public company.
With regard to this matter, it should be noted that, in Mozambique, there is no
Broadcasting Law. Currently, broadcasting is governed by Law number 18/91, of
August 10 (Press Law), which is very awkward for it (broadcasting), and by several
ministerial regulations and decrees which essentially cover matters of allocation
of frequencies. For community radio, a specific sector of braodcasting, likewise
there is no legislation.
During the first term of Armando Guebuza (2005-2009), through the Information
Office, the Government started a process looking to create a Broadcasting Law,
setting up, to this end, a working group which then included the National Union
of Journalists (NUJ), FORCOM and MISA-Moçambique. With the support of
specialized consultants, a Draft Broadcasting Law was drawn up, but the process
went no further, let alone publicly.
Currently, the broadcasting spectrum has run out, at least in the city of Maputo,
the capital of the country, which means that some of those who have a licence
are negotiating with those who want to invest in the sector. With the process of
digital migration, which is compulsory from the middle of 2015, the legislative
gap may make itself felt even more for industry and citizens as consumers.

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AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MOZAMBIQUE 2014

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