ICASA clarifies the reason for the non-renewal of the Zibonele Community Radio broadcasting licence.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa invites all aspirant community television broadcasters to pre-register their licence applications. The Invitation to Pre-Register (ITP-R) was published on 30 June 2022 and can be downloaded at https://www.icasa.org.za/pages/community-tv-broadcasting-licences. The closing date for applications is 12 January 2023 at 16h30.

The Authority will host a final virtual public workshop on 09 June 2022 in relation to the Invitation To Pre-Register (ITP-R) published on 15 December 2021. The workshop follows the re-opening of the licensing process for community radio broadcasting services and related radio frequency spectrum across the country.

The ICASA Council has resolved that, based on ongoing developments in what is a rapidly changing market, the consultation process in respect of the Inquiry into the Subscription Broadcasting Services Market must be extended into the current financial year.

The Council of ICASA has resolved that the period 1 April 2022 to 30 June 2022 shall constitute a transitional period for broadcasting service licensees and signal distributors to ensure a seamless transition process for the switch-off of the remaining analogue transmitters.

ICASA has noted various media queries, reports as well as social media postings in relation to the discontinuation of the Russia TV (also known as RT) channel on the DSTV platform and will enquire with the licensee in this regard.