CWU+open+letter+to+illegal+broadcasters

=Open letter=


 * 31 January 2006**

Francois L ‘Ecuyer Head of Communications Alternatives Email: francois@alternatives.ca (514) 982 6606 ext 2258

CC: RASA FM Anti Privatisation Forum South African Media Houses National Community Radio Forum Department of Communications Independent Communications Authority of South Africa

=Illegal usage of radio frequencies and other related matters=

The Communication Workers Union welcomes clarity provided by the Canadian Alternatives on the illegal usage of airwaves by RASA FM and the statement by Trevor Ngwane.

Yes, it’s true that the aforementioned station was broadcasting without proper licence, hence claiming that ICASA is failing to acknowledge the potentials of low power sound broadcasting and freedom of expression.

In South Africa there are two types of low power sound broadcasting, namely: Commercial and Community.


 * //Commercial low power sound broadcasting services://**

- service operating from and broadcasting to shopping malls/centre, sport grounds, showgrounds and drive-in movie theatres, or any other similar service that may be deemed appropriate by the authority


 * //Community low power sound broadcasting services://**

- services operating from and broadcasting to old age home, links between places of worships and retirement villages, or any other similar service that may be deemed appropriate by the authority The claim by RASA FM on the justification of the illegal usage of low power sound broadcasting services leaves much to be desired.

Therefore the support provided by Global Indymedia Network to RASA FM must not undermine the legal framework. Global Indymedia (“as a credible organisation”) and any other donor organisation should have satisfied itself with the objectives of RASA and applicable legislation.

All instruments that are being used in the Information and Communication Technology industry still needs to be approved by the regulator – RASA FM opted to stretch its muscle and test its political strategy by not conforming to the standard legal framework.

One of ICASA’s key mandates is the management of radio frequency spectrum. This is a finite national resource which, if unmanaged, would obstruct the delivery of essential broadcasting and telecommunication services. And the important aspect in the management of frequency spectrum is the maintenance of the table of frequency allocations. The South Africa Table of Frequency Allocations (SAFTA) is a National assignment of radio frequency spectrum in line with International Telecommunications Union (ITU) requirements.

ICASA plays an important role in promoting economic growth and job creation in both the first economy and the emerging economy. Telecommunications is a R99 billion industry, contributing 6% to the country GDP, while broadcasting contributes R9 billion. Both Sectors have recorded impressive growth in their figures in the past year.

With this finite spectrum caused by the analogous environment the South African government deemed it correct to start a digital migration process. The digital migration policy process is part of the broader socio-economic imperative of bridging the divide, creating jobs and promoting electronic government and education, as well as encouraging diversity and choice. The regulator has already reserved frequencies for digital terrestrial broadcasting services at regional level to cater for language and cultural groups, especially those languages that have been marginalised.

CWU supports the democratisation and the effective usage of our spectrum.

Therefore any sane citizen and the law abiding organisation would ensure that they do not miss this opportunity. The National Community Radio Forum (NCRF) is a South African membership association for Community radio, founded in 1993 - to advocate and lobby for the diversification of the airwaves and the creation of the community radio sector. Some of their policy proposals have been incorporated in the industry policy guidelines. Perhaps, it might be proper for the RASA FM and others to take membership in this progressive member organisation, and be able to come clear and forward their submissions to the digital migration working group (and avoid convoluted arguments).

We therefore maintain our call that the South African government must arrest all those who assist in the undermining of our legal framework and squatting in already allocated airwaves.

Contact person: Mfanafuthi Sithebe Head of Communications Tel: +27 11 838 8188 Mobile: +27 83 208 9643 Mail: mfanafuthis@cwu.org.za**
 * Issued by: Communication Workers Union

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