The National Assembly checked the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill yesterday. During the committee stage, they looked at each part separately.
Information Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said no to some changes. Mr Edwin Mushoriwa from Dzivaresekwa wanted local authorities included in free airtime for the Government. He asked for section C to list local authorities as a second tier of Government.
Dr Muswere refused this idea. He said the Government is just Government and does not need tiers. The bill says broadcasters must give the Government one hour every week to explain programs and plans.
Dr Muswere also turned down requests to make radio and TV licenses last 20 years instead of 10 years. He explained that studies showed 10 years gives enough time to make back money spent. He named several stations doing well under current rules, like Capitalk, ZiFM, and Star FM. He added he would attend 3K TV's third birthday today.
The Minister backed rules that let people sell their licenses. He compared broadcasting to other businesses, saying license holders should be able to sell if they have money problems.
Information Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said no to some changes. Mr Edwin Mushoriwa from Dzivaresekwa wanted local authorities included in free airtime for the Government. He asked for section C to list local authorities as a second tier of Government.
Dr Muswere refused this idea. He said the Government is just Government and does not need tiers. The bill says broadcasters must give the Government one hour every week to explain programs and plans.
Dr Muswere also turned down requests to make radio and TV licenses last 20 years instead of 10 years. He explained that studies showed 10 years gives enough time to make back money spent. He named several stations doing well under current rules, like Capitalk, ZiFM, and Star FM. He added he would attend 3K TV's third birthday today.
The Minister backed rules that let people sell their licenses. He compared broadcasting to other businesses, saying license holders should be able to sell if they have money problems.
