ACDP disappointed at loss of community radio station licence

Selby Khumalo MP


The ACDP is disappointed at the prospect of the Christian radio station, Good News Community Radio losing its licence.

The ACDP identifies with the community of listeners of the Good News Community Radio station who demonstrated and rendered a memorandum to ICASA yesterday in Durban. The court case involving Good News Community Radio and ICASA has run for more than two years. This has harmed both Good News Community Radio as well as Izwi Lomzansi Community Radio - that was granted the same frequency in 2002 - especially in terms of rental costs and acquiring infrastructure.

The ACDP calls upon ICASA to make sure that no Christian radio station loses its licence. In the event that this happens, it should be in a fair, just and legal manner. In addition, another Christian radio station should be eligible to take the place of the station that has lost its licence.

ACDP calls upon ICASA to ensure that once a frequency has been designated as a community of interest frequency, it should not be changed into a geographical frequency without sufficient consultation.

We want to urge ICASA to facilitate the signing of licence agreements of community radio stations. As well as ensure that in licence conditions agreements should be the inclusion of a clear monitoring procedures system that will be adhered to by all.

It is vital for ICASA to strengthen their internal appeal processes in the administration of justice to limit lengthy and costly court cases.

We call for the speedy resolve of this matter. An alternative should be found to satisfy Good News radio station listeners.