The other stations are 100 JAMZ, More 94.9 FM, JOY FM and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese.
The latter two were approved by the former Free National Movement administration.
The Catholic Church, however, does not yet have an operational radio station.
Speaking at the first annual general meeting of commercial broadcasting licence holders at the British Colonial Hilton hotel, Minister Wilchcombe announced that the first phase of the Bahamas Communications Commission (BCC) is expected to be established in January 2005..
“The first phase will regulate radio, television and cable and the second phase will incorporate telecommunications and utilities,” Minister Wilchcombe said.
He said that officials are reviewing communications regulatory bodies in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States and will soon seek input from holders of commercial broadcasting licences.
“I shall, within the first quarter of 2004 be seeking your suggestions and recommendations with respect to what should be included in our legislation to regulate Broadcasting in The Bahamas,” Mr. Wilchcombe said.
He said that updating broadcasting legislation will demand that programming on radio, television and cable promote The Bahamas’ rich and diverse heritage and positive values.
He also said that after the expiration of licences issued this year, licencees who are in full compliance with the Broadcasting Act will be considered for the issuance of three-year licences.
The Minister added that licencees with national licences will have to provide “a comprehensive plan as to how you intend to give the entire Bahamas radio coverage.”
Mr. Wilchcombe also warned that the government will not consider any commercial broadcasting licences unless his ministry is in receipt of comprehensive business plans.
“The Government must be assured that applicants have the financial wherewithal to provide the broadcasting service for which they have applied,” he said.
The minister also raised concern about the quality of programming on some radio stations that include profane and lewd content.
He cautioned programmers to ensure that acceptable programmes are aired.
Mr. Wilchcombe also said that the government is committed to granting at least one commercial broadcasting licence on each major Family Island based on the availability of FM frequencies.
By Julian Reid, The Bahama Journal
