By Kebba AF Touray
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) in a press release dated 25 July 2024 stated that the Minister of Information has revoked the licence of five (5) commercial radio stations, for operating with an expired licence.
“The Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) informs the public that the Minister of Information acting under section 235 of the Information and Communications Act, 2009 has revoked the licenses of the following five (5) commercial radio stations that have been identified to be operating with expired licenses,” the release stated.
The commercial radios whose licences have been revoked were Al Fallah FM, Janneh Koto FM, Deggo FM, Mahlegenn Communications Network, and Banjul FM. The revocation is effective on the 26 of July 2024.
This exercise, according to the release, is part of PURA’s continuous monitoring exercise to ensure compliance with the regulatory regime and terms and conditions of the license.
The release stated that the radio stations were operating without valid licence contrary to section 229(1) of the IC Act 2009 which provides: “A person shall not broadcast, or otherwise operate a broadcasting service or do or permit anything to be done for which a broadcasting license is required under this Act, unless he or she is in possession of the appropriate license so required, in addition to any other license or certificate which may be prescribed by this Act for the transmission on or operation of a broadcasting service undertaken by him or her or for the doing of that thing.”
PURA held that starting from 26 July 2024 any broadcasting services operations done by the 5 radio stations will be illegal and punishable by law.
PURA said the exercise is being conducted after consultation with the Broadcasting Enforcement Committee, which comprises PURA, the Ministry of Information, the Media Council of The Gambia, the Ministry of Justice, The Gambia Revenue Authority, and The Gambia Police Force.
PURA emphasised that it will continue to monitor compliance. It also called on the radio stations to ensure that they have licences that are up-to-date and comply with the terms and conditions.
