ICASA to Hold Workshops on Community Radio Licensing Process

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (“ICASA/the Authority”) has re-opened the licensing processes for community radio broadcasting services and related radio frequency spectrum across the country; and is now preparing to hold virtual public workshops in relation to the new Invitation To Pre-Register (ITP-R) published on 15 December 2021.

The virtual workshops will be held on 16 and 17 February 2022, from 10H00 to 15H00 to fully unpack the requirements of the ITP-R, and to assist communities to have a full understanding of the requirements thereof.

“In this regard, we are providing another window of opportunity (as we did on 8 December 2021) for the communities to have full comprehension of the regulations, requirements and the ITP-R itself. We are doing this because we want to make sure that those who will be making submissions have a clearer picture of what is contained in all the regulatory documents as this will make our job easier when analysing the submissions.”

Adv. Luthando Mkumatela, Councillor, ICASA

Communities are therefore urged not to rush into completing the required forms without full understanding of what the requirements are. They need to take time and learn how the community broadcasting environment works and further encouraged to read the ITP-R and the Community Broadcasting Services Regulations. The Councillor reminds interested communities that they still have enough time to go through all documents prior to making any submission. “The closing date for applications is 30 June 2022, and that gives everyone ample opportunity to read all the requirements for better understanding thereof,” continues Adv. Mkumatela.

ICASA is committed to ensuring that interested communities are awarded licences that will see young and aspiring broadcast media individuals fully empowered, and the community views (and beliefs) shared within various local radio platforms across the country.