PRESS RELEASE PR 001
NON-COMPLIANCE WITH BROADCASTING PARAMETERS ON THE FM BAND
Freetown 30 May, 2011… The National Telecommunications Commission
(NATCOM) has the mandate to inter-alia allocate and monitor Radio Spectrum
used for broadcasting and other forms of radio communication (VHF, UHF) in the
broadcasting industry in the country.
Through its routine spectrum monitoring activity using the Spectrum Monitoring
Vehicle and other spectrum analyzing equipment the Commission has clear
evidence of rampant interference caused by some FM radio stations both in the
provinces and in the western area, broadcasting beyond the maximum allowable
parameters specified in their licences, which amounts to a serious violation of set
standards and norms.
This situation is against the background of efforts being made by the Commission
to ensure interference-free broadcasting. In October 2010, the Commission hosted
a one-day workshop on the theme “Promoting Interference-free Broadcasting on
the FM Broadcast Band” in which radio station operators in the western area were
trained on international broadcasting standards. The primary objective of the
workshop was to address the incidence of harmful interference.
It is sad to note however, that some FM Stations have persistently been non-
compliant with the rules, despite several warnings. Barely a month ago the
Commission discovered that a Radio Station in Waterloo was broadcasting far
beyond the 150 watt limit it was duly licensed to broadcast on, thereby causing
harmful interference to other radio frequency users for which the Commission took
action against them.
In as much as the Commission has no prejudice against any individual or group of
individuals engaged in the broadcasting industry; and is obliged to encourage the
development of the broadcasting industry, the Commission would have no
alternative but to take punitive action as prescribed by law, against any FM Radio
station operators broadcasting beyond their licensed parameters and thereby
causing interference in the process.
You have been warned!
Media Contact: Abdul Kuyateh, Public Affairs Manager. Cell: 078 991143; Email: abdul.kuyateh@yahoo.com;akuyateh@natcomsl.com