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.
Radio broadcasting and telecommunications are still regulated by the 1983
Swaziland Posts and Telecommunications Act, which empowers the Managing
Director (MD) of the Swaziland Posts and Telecommunications Corporation
(SPTC) to award radio licences. Section 86 (2) of the act states that:
A radio communication licence may be granted subject to such conditions,
including the payment of any prescribed fee, as the Managing Director
may think fit including in particular, in the case of a licence to establish a
station, conditions as to the nature and position of the station, the purpose for
which, the circumstances in which and the persons by who, the station may
be used and the radio communication apparatus which may be installed or
used therein; and, in the case of any other licence, conditions as to the radio
communication apparatus which may be installed or used, the places where,
the purposes for which the circumstances in which and the persons by whom
such apparatus may be used.
Section 89 of the Act empowers the minister responsible for communications to
make regulations for radio broadcasting with regards to:
• licence fees
• “the things which are to be done or are not to be done” by broadcasters
• licensing conditions
• financial procedures for licence holders
• the importation, purchase, manufacture, sale and letting of radio equipment.
Such regulations were issued in 1992 giving the Minister of Natural Resources and
Telecommunications regulatory powers and the authority to grant licences. Under
section 12 of these regulations the minister may at any time revoke or suspend any
licence if the licensee fails to comply with licence conditions or “where it appears
that such revocation or suspension is expedient in the public interest”.

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AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SWAZILAND 2011

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