Invitation for applications not political

air national commercial radio licences is political.
In statement yesterday, BAZ said contrary to reports in certain sections of the media, the authority was compelled to complete initiated programmes as a way of protecting applicants.
Less than a week after inviting applications, the authority said the response was overwhelming with more than 20 application forms already being issued.
Last week, BAZ invited applications for radio licences but some sections of the media quoted “analysts” saying it was an attempt by the authority to hoodwink the region ahead of a Sadc summit to review the situation in Zimbabwe on June 11 in South Africa.
“Following the invitation of applications the response by the public to the call has been instantaneous and very encouraging . . . We anticipate very stiff competition for these two remaining licences. Once an invitation has been extended by the authority, it can either be cancelled, terminated along the way or reversed,” read the statement.
Responding to queries why it was inviting applications for commercial and not community radios and television stations, the authority said it was by public demand.
BAZ said it embarked on a national survey on the broadcasting needs of Zimbabwe and the public prioritised commercial stations.
“The preference is not by the authority, but rather that of the public. There are more than 10 classes of broadcasting services specified by the Act and it is not practical for the authority to invite applications for all these classes at the same time,” read the statement.
BAZ said though the fees were not reflective of the economic realities of Zimbabweans, they were within the regional range. “This is the reason why the authority, in its previous budgets proposals has requested an allocation to offset the cost of regulation, including the licensing process itself to make the fees affordable.”
The licence application fee is US$2 500 with the public inquiry put at US$7 500. The fee will be US$15 000 per year with a one percent gross turnover or deemed turnover per annum for the licensed period.
The frequency fees will cost US$30 per frequency per site per month while the Broadcasting Fund will be 0,5 percent of the audited annual gross turnover or deemed payable annually.
The deadline for applications has been set for June 30 this year and the licences would be for 10 years.