Communications Ministry gives 131 radio stations 50% sanctions ‘discount’

• Posted on October 21, 2017
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Some 131 radio stations sanctioned by the Communications Ministry for breaching the Electronic and Communications Act have received a 50% slash on penalties.

The decision to offer the reprieve was done in consultation with the National Communications Authority (NCA), the Ministry said in a statement released Friday.

The announcement will offer some relief to some radio stations slapped with penalties ranging from ¢160,000 to ¢61m for violating the media law. The sanctioned radio stations include pro-opposition media outlet, Radio Gold.

“Defaulting Commercial FM Broadcasting Stations that were fined by the NCA have also had their fines reduced by 50%,” the statement said.

Below is the statement:

MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS OFFERS REPRIEVE TO SANCTIONED FM STATIONS

Following the presentation of the Honourable Minister for Communications on the floor of Parliament on, October 19, 2017, the Ministry of Communications (MOC) in consultation with the National Communications Authority (NCA), has offered the following reprieve for FM Broadcasting Stations which were sanctioned for committing various infractions.

Community and Institutional FM Broadcasting Stations

The pecuniary penalties which were imposed on the FM Broadcasting Stations in this category have been waived.

In addition to this, these stations are to regularise their operations; pay their outstanding indebtedness (Annual Regulatory and Spectrum fees) and submit renewal applications and all outstanding documentation as applicable within thirty (30) days from the date of this release, Friday, 20th October 2017. Failure to do so will result in the revocation of their authorisations.

FM Broadcasting Stations which had their Authorisations Revoked

The stations in this category have the option to petition the Honourable Minister for Communications for a review of the revocation of their Authorisation within 10 days from Friday, 20th October 2017. After receipt of their petitions, they will be reviewed on a case by case basis, following which the Minister will determine the applicable sanctions.

Commercial FM Broadcasting Stations

Defaulting Commercial FM Broadcasting Stations that were fined by the NCA have also had their fines reduced by 50%. They have 30 days from October 20, 2017, to pay the 50% reduced penalties or have their authorisations revoked.

It is the expectation of the Ministry and the Authority that all defaulting FM stations will take advantage of this opportunity and ensure compliance within the shortest possible time.

Issued by the Ministry of Communications