of
views will exist. It is therefore key that we remain aloof from
the petty matters which may be dealt with in detailed drafting,
and use this platform as the opportunity to give insight into our
positions, ultimately guiding and ultimately shaping Government
policy," he said.
Experts said the bill was drafted primarily to regulate the telecommunications
sector, and that broadcasting was included as "a sort of afterthought".
"There is hardly any
mention of community, public and private broadcasting in the bill
despite several inputs given by the broadcasting sector," said
a source.
Although broadcasting has a vital role, the source was quoted as
saying that it was underestimated in the proposed legislation as
it aims to encompass the whole range of communications in the name
of "convergence".
According to the draft bill,
the Namibia Communications Commission, which issues television and
radio licenses, also grants licenses in the telecommunications sector.
Under the new legislation, license holders must be 51 per cent Namibian
controlled.
The new communications authority will in future be able to force
owners of ICT infrastructure to lease it to other companies to spur
competition. Radio licenses will only be issued for five years and
television licenses for eight years, with the option of renewal.
The authority must also monitor
all radio and TV stations to ensure that they report in a fair and
neutral way and that advertisements do not exceed 20 per cent of
daily broadcasting time. However, these rules will not apply to
the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), which will be exempted.
Angula said Government was
committed to achieving liberalization of the information sector.
"The creation of a commission is part of the process, and so
is the issuance of a second mobile license. However, we need to
concretize a policy attached to a portfolio minister, and hence
the importance of the outcome of this process," he said. |
