MEDIA STATEMENT: REVOCATION, SUSPENSION AND RENEWAL OF SOUND BROADCASTING LICENCES
Six Broadcasters, Jesu ke Karabo, KEL Media, Tabernacle FM, MXXL FM, Molisa Ea Molemo FM and 357FM’s licences are set to expire at midnight today, 17 December, 2024. The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) has been unable to process the license renewals of three of these broadcasters’ due to their failure to meet regulatory obligations, particularly the payment of annual licence fees.
In accordance with regulatory provisions, non payment of applicable fees constitutes a regulatory infraction that may result in licence suspension or revocation. Despite repeated telephone reminders, letters and meetings warning the broadcasters of the consequences of non-payment, they failed to settle their outstanding fees which have been overdue for over twelve (12) months. Consequently, their licence renewal applications could not be processed.
As a final measure, on the 8th November, 2024, the Authority issued letters notifying the broadcasters of its intention to shut down their stations upon license expiry. Following these broadcasters’ failure to comply fully with their regulatory obligations, the LCA Board of Directors, at its sitting on the 17th December, 2024 resolved as follows:
- Revocation of MXXL FM’S Licence: Effective midnight, 17th December, 2024, MXXL FM must cease all broadcasting and switch off its transmission equipment.
- Suspension of 357 FM: The licence of 357 FM is suspended until the 31st March, 2025. The board resolved to give 357 FM this grace period as it alluded that it is encountering some financial challenges. This station will cease broadcasting at midnight today, 17th December, 2024 and remain off air until they have settled all overdue payments. Failure to comply by the 31st March 2025 will result in licence revocation.
- Suspension of Molisa ea Molemo FM: The licence of Molisa ea Molemo FM is suspended pending completion of the renewal process. This follows the station’s settlement of all outstanding payments on 17th December 2024, the day its licence was set to expire. The Authority will begin reviewing its renewal application starting today. In the interim, the station must cease broadcasting and remain off-air until its licence is renewed.
The Board has meanwhile, resolved to renew the private sound broadcasting licences of Jesu ke Karabo, KEL Media and Tabernacle FM. These Broadcasters will continue to offer broadcasting services for a period of fifteen years.
The Authority will conduct follow-up inspections to ensure full compliance with this resolution.
For further clarifications on this issue please do not hesitate to call the office of the Public Affairs Manager on 5222 1301 or email mkotele@lca.org.ls