By Isatou Njie
The Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) have announced cancelation of their planned inauguration of their community radio, The People’s FM, after they were told they cannot launch it by the Gambia Government. The inauguration ceremony was scheduled on Tuesday, 20 December.
Project Manager for KETP, Lamin Sanyang told journalists that they have received communication from the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) that they cannot go ahead with the planned launching of their radio because they do not have the license to broadcast.
In the Gambia, the law gives power to the Minister responsible for the portfolio of Information to issue license to operate a radio station. KMC does not secure a license yet. PURA is responsible for regulations. PURA was contacted to shed light on the issue and they referred this medium to the Minister of Information with the claim that they are not responsible for issuing license.
The KMC Radio is done and ready for operations, but the lack of license is halting the operations. KMC said they have applied since July 2022 but they are informed about an ongoing embargo. The Gambia Government decided to put a moratorium on issuing broadcasting license for television and radio stations since 2018. This moratorium is still not set aside. Many people have file their applications for television and radio stations, but the Government is resolved not to issue anyone license. How long will this moratorium last? This is a question Gambia Government can answer.
