Closure Of Choice FM Is A MisInformation: NCA

The attention of the National Communications Authority (NCA) has been drawn to the misinformation being disseminated by certain media houses pertaining to the closure of CHOICE FM. The NCA categorically states that it has not ordered the closure of CHOICE FM. We produce below the facts of the case that has led to this unfortunate misinformation. The Authority, in its normal consultative and customer focused relations, issued notices to all authorised FM operators and service providers, reminding them of their obligations to renew their authorisation, as per the conditions of their said authorisation, and as spelt out in Regulation 59(1) of the National Communications Regulations, 2003, LI 1719. The Notification in the said letters also informed them of the consequences of non-compliance. We further state that the said notification was sent to a number of radio stations across the country; most of whom have fully complied. We therefore find it unfortunate that our lawful obligation communicated in a civil and routine manner is being misinterpreted; a misinterpretation that is unwarranted. The Authority shall continue to routinely notify communication operators and service providers of their obligations as enshrined in their respective licenses/and or Authorisations, consistent with the bodies of laws governing the communications industry. In order to avoid such an unfortunate occurrence, media houses, civil society and the general public, should take advantage of the Authority�s open-door-policy and seek verification on statements purported to have been issued by the Authority prior to publication and /or dissemination. We believe that if the Authority had been contacted, this unfortunate situation would have been averted. ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR GENERAL NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY 1ST RANGOON CLOSE, P.O. BOX CT 1568 CANTONMENTS TEL. NO.:+233 21 776621/771701 FAX: +233 21 763449