By the end of August Cabinet will be in possession of a comprehensive plan to regulate broadcasting, inclusive of a detailed proposal for the establishment of a Broadcasting Commission, according to the minister responsible for the sector Obie Wilchcombe.
The commission will cost approximately $500,000, Minister Wilchcombe told the Bahama Journal.
In a previous Bahama Journal interview he had pegged the initial cost to set up the commission at $1.2 million. However that figure was reduced to $800,000, before eventually being lowered to $500,000.
Mr. Wilchcombe is reportedly working closely with the Minister for State for Finance, James Smith regarding funding for the body to ensure that it can carry properly monitor the industry.
Minister Wilchcombe said he is now carefully considering 50 applications for radio stations in Exuma, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, New Providence and elsewhere.
ﾓThe former administration gave out licenses the day they were leaving office. ﾠThat was a mistake, but I understand it was more political,ﾒ Minister Wilchcombe said.
Presently, there are 12 radio stations throughout the country, with two New Providence based stations, including Radio Love 97, in the process of expanding to Grand Bahama.
Minister Wilchcombe said officials are considering additional licenses for New Providence, but he admitted that the market is ﾓover crowded.ﾒ
Among the requests are applications for R & B, contemporary, all womenﾴs and all sports radio stations.
ﾓThe reality of it all is weﾴre seeing an increasing number of applications for radio licenses. ﾠThere is a tremendous amount of interest,ﾒ he said.
Minister Wilchcombe insists that there is a pressing need for a Broadcasting Commission to properly regulate the industry.
ﾓThe former administration agreed to private radio stations without regulations. ﾠWe donﾴt want to have radio stations spouting out misinformation or music that proliferates other cultures,ﾒ he said.
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) was originally mandated to monitor the broadcast industry, regulating content and cost of services. The new commission is now expected to work closely with the PUC.
The minister was unable to say when and how many new licenses will be granted, but noted that it is predicated on the availability of bands and what the needs are in various islands.
Minister Wilchcombe said it is very important to get a commission in place soon. ﾠHe pointed out that there are no regulations besides what exists in the Broadcasting Act.
ﾓ(The Act) did not take into consideration private broadcasting and when we introduced private broadcasting we did not put in place regulations. ﾠSo we are ensuring that we have regulations that are consistent with todayﾴs world, but at the same time understanding the unique culture of The Bahamas,ﾒ he stated.
ﾓWeﾴve done a lot of preliminary work. ﾠWeﾴve looked at commissions around the world, really investigating them, trying to do whatﾴs in the best interest of The Bahamas,ﾒ he added.
He said a number of things are being considered before a final determination is made. ﾠ
ﾓWeﾴve been settling our regulations, determining our approach to that, wanting to be very careful we do not make a mistake and also the demographics. ﾠWe want to ensure that weﾴre not creating more problems,ﾒ said Minister Wilchcombe.
ﾓYou have to know whatﾴs available on the FM band and the AM band before you issue licenses, so all thatﾴs being considered.ﾒ
Hadassah Hall, The Bahama Journal
