THE country’s broadcasting landscape is set for greater competition and diversity following the official granting of two Free-to-Air Commercial Radio Broadcasting Service licences to SakhaLive FM (Pty) Ltd and Icon Connect Radio (Pty) Ltd.
Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) acting Chief Executive Ozzie Thakatha said the awarding of the licences marked an important milestone in the continued development and liberalisation of the broadcasting sector.
Thakatha said the new commercial broadcasters were expected to introduce greater content and programming diversity, innovative approaches to broadcasting and increased audience engagement, while providing more opportunities for different voices and opinions to be heard.
He said the licences also presented significant economic opportunities, particularly for young people, as the new broadcasting houses would require journalists, presenters, producers, technicians, engineers, content creators, marketers and administrators.
“The opportunities extend beyond the two licensees themselves,” Thakatha said, noting that broadcasting supported a wider value chain involving independent content producers, musicians, artists, filmmakers, advertising agencies, equipment suppliers, technology providers and telecommunications operators.
He said the establishment of the two stations could, therefore, contribute to job creation and stimulate growth across the country’s creative and broadcasting industries.
However, Thakatha cautioned the new broadcasters that their licences came with significant public responsibilities. He said the stations were expected to promote the values, culture, identity and diversity of the country’s people while investing in quality local content.
He further stressed that compliance with the Broadcasting Act 2023 applicable regulations and licence conditions would be non-negotiable.
“The commission will continue to undertake its monitoring and compliance responsibilities to ensure that the privileges granted through these licences are exercised in accordance with the law and in the public interest,” he said.
The two licensees have also been given 12 months from the date of the grant of their respective licences to commence operations. Thakatha warned that failure to meet the prescribed period could result in regulatory action, including possible revocation of a licence.
He said the latest awards should not be regarded as the end of ESCCOM’s broadcasting licensing programme, revealing that the commission intended to facilitate further licensing opportunities in community, subscription and online broadcasting.
Thakatha also thanked the ministry of ICT, particularly the directorate of information and media development, for its technical expertise and oversight during the licensing process.
SAKHA LIVE FM VOWS TO CHAMPION YOUTH
SAKHA Live FM Managing Director Melusi Dlamini says the newly awarded commercial radio broadcasting licence marks the fulfilment of a long-standing dream with the station now set to bring a fresh youth-focused approach to country’s broadcasting landscape.
Dlamini said the team was excited to finally receive the licence, noting that they had been working towards the opportunity for a long time and could now turn their vision into reality.
He said SakhaLive FM intended to do things differently by introducing a new approach to broadcasting, with young people at the centre of its programming and development agenda.
“Our main target is the youth and developing them,” Dlamini said.
He explained that the station would seek to create a platform where young people could participate meaningfully in broadcasting while also developing their skills and talents.
Dlamini said the 12-month period provided by the ESCCOM for the station to commence operations was sufficient, expressing confidence that the team would use the period effectively to prepare for its launch.
He said the immediate task was to put the necessary structures in place and transform the long-held idea into a functioning broadcasting service.
Icon Connect vows to transform radio landscape
ICON Connect Director Phila Dlamini has welcomed the company’s newly awarded broadcasting licence, describing it as a timely opportunity to introduce a new dimension to the country’s radio broadcasting landscape.
Dlamini said the licence could not have come at a better time, noting that Icon Connect was ready to turn its vision into reality and contribute to the growth of the local broadcasting industry.
He described the upcoming radio station as a potential game changer, saying the company was committed to bringing a fresh approach to broadcasting while responding to the needs and interests of listeners.
“We are very happy about the licence and believe it could not have come at a better time,” Dlamini said.
He noted that the company would now focus on putting its plans into action and commencing operations as soon as possible.
Dlamini further expressed hope that the awarding of their licence would pave the way for more local players to enter the broadcasting sector.
He said Eswatini has many talented and innovative people with ideas capable of transforming the country’s radio landscape, but needed opportunities to bring those ideas to life.
He encouraged the continued awarding of broadcasting licences to deserving local applicants, saying increased local participation would help create a more diverse and vibrant broadcasting industry.
