VACANCY: BROADCASTING OFFICER
Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) is the regulatory body for the communications sector in Lesotho. Following the adoption of the Lesotho Telecommunications Policy of 1999, the Authority was established by an Act of Parliament in 2000. Presently, the Authority operates under the Communications Act of 2012 for the regulation of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), Broadcasting and Postal Services.
LCA invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Broadcasting Officer reporting to the Licensing and Compliance Manager.
Job Summary
The Broadcasting Officer is responsible for overseeing the compliance of broadcast operators with national broadcasting standards and regulations. This includes monitoring broadcast content, ensuring adherence to ethical and content guidelines, and addressing any complaints related to broadcasting. The Officer will work closely with broadcasters to maintain compliance and provide feedback on regulatory changes that affect broadcasting operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Broadcast Monitoring.
- Monitor broadcast content to ensure compliance with national standards, ethical guidelines, and broadcasting codes of conduct.
- Regularly review programs, advertisements, and public broadcasts for compliance with regulatory frameworks, including content appropriateness.
- Conduct regular compliance audits of broadcasters, identifying non-compliance issues, and recommending corrective actions.
- Investigate and resolve complaints from the public and stakeholders related to broadcasting content and ethical violations.
- Prepare reports on the findings of content monitoring activities and submit them to the Manager: Licensing and Compliance.
- Broadcasting Regulation and Policy Implementation.
- Ensure that broadcasting operators adhere to national policies, broadcasting laws, and international standards.
- Collaborate with broadcasters and other stakeholders to provide guidance on changes in broadcasting regulations and their implications.
- Assist in the development and updating of broadcasting standards and policies to ensure they reflect changes in technology, public expectations, and industry trends.
- Provide training and awareness programs for broadcasters on ethical standards, regulatory updates, and compliance requirements.
- Gather feedback from broadcasters and the public on policy implementation to support future revisions or improvements.
- Broadcast Content Compliance.
- Classify and rate broadcast content as per regulatory guidelines to ensure content appropriateness for various audiences, particularly children.
- Identify and address any violations related to inappropriate content, political bias, or misleading advertisements.
- Ensure that broadcasters fulfill their public service obligations, including news reporting, public announcements, and educational programming.
- Work with broadcasters to ensure the smooth implementation of any regulatory changes affecting the broadcasting landscape.
- Conduct risk assessments on broadcasting practices, focusing on content that may cause public concern or regulatory non-compliance.
- Collaboration and Stakeholder Relations.
- Act as the primary point of contact for broadcasters regarding content standards, regulatory updates, and compliance matters.
- Work with other sections within the Licensing and Compliance Division to ensure consistent enforcement of regulatory standards across the sector.
- Respond to public inquiries and concerns related to broadcasting content, ensuring that all communications are transparent and supportive of regulatory objectives.
- Collaborate with international broadcasting regulatory bodies to stay updated on global trends and incorporate best practices in the local context.
- Support public relations efforts by communicating the role and importance of broadcasting regulation to the public.
- Continuous Improvement and Innovation.
- Identify opportunities to improve the broadcasting compliance process, making it more efficient and user-friendly for broadcasters and stakeholders.
- Encourage the adoption of new technologies and platforms for content monitoring and regulatory compliance, ensuring adaptability to new broadcasting trends.
- Analyze trends in the broadcasting sector to ensure that regulatory frameworks remain relevant and responsive to technological advancements.
- Implement best practices from international regulatory bodies and adapt them to the local broadcasting environment.
- Support research initiatives aimed at enhancing the regulatory framework and keeping pace with evolving broadcasting technologies.
Qualification and experience
- Bachelor’s degree in law (LLB).
- Admitted to practice in the Courts of Law of Lesotho.
Competencies
- Broadcasting Expertise: Strong understanding of broadcasting standards, content regulation, and ethical guidelines for media production.
- Compliance Skills: Ability to monitor and enforce compliance with national and international broadcasting regulations.
- Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical abilities to assess broadcast content, identify non-compliance, and provide actionable recommendations.
- Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills for engaging with broadcasters, preparing reports, and managing public inquiries.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to investigate and resolve broadcasting-related complaints, ensuring fairness and transparency.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with broadcasters, regulatory bodies, and the public.
- Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in monitoring and reporting on broadcasting activities and compliance.
- Integrity: Strong commitment to ethical standards and maintaining objectivity in the monitoring and enforcement of regulations.
Tenure
The position is permanent and pensionable.
Remuneration
The LCA offers an attractive and competitive package for the position.
How to Apply
Application letters accompanied by certified copies of relevant certificates, Curriculum Vitae and names and addresses of three referees should be emailed to: hr@lca.org.ls on or before 28 February, 2025, at 12 noon.
To apply for this job email your details to mkotele@lca.org.ls