The National Communication Authority (NCA) has defended its decision to take some TV channels including that of the controversial preacher Bishop Obinim’s OB TV, off air.
According to the NCA the stations breached the guidelines under Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008, Act 775 and used a third party satellite infrastructure provider to broadcast their programs via satellite.
[contextly_sidebar id=”IFpdmpGdK24N3raghmiERuTsiDx06FZU”]Nine television stations including Obinim’s OB TV, Kessben TV, Clive TV, ECN, Zoe TV, BTA, ATV, Care TV, and Elijah TV have so far been taken off air.
In a statement, the NCA said the nine stations affected were notified last year and given a grace period to regularize their operations but failed to do so.
“From time to time, the NCA conducts monitoring exercises and when any unauthorized services are detected, the appropriate enforcement measures are taken. In this recent case, the stations were detected sometime last year and notice was sent to the third party provider and the satellite company. A number of engagements went on, including the grant of a grace period to ensure compliance,” the statement added.
Below is the full statement:
The NCA has noted the public interest that has been generated following its recent enforcement
actions on some unauthorised television stations. To clarify the issues, the following questions that
the Authority has received has been answered below.
1. Why have some television channels been taken off the Multi TV broadcasting platform?
According to Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008, Act 775, “… a person
shall not operate a broadcasting system or provide a broadcasting service without a frequency
authorisation by the Authority”.
Therefore, any person or entity seeking to operate a system
for the provision of broadcasting services has to obtain an authorisation from the National
Communications Authority. Multimedia Broadcasting Limited has an authorisation to provide
Free to Air Satellite Television services, branded Multi TV. However, the NCA observed that
over a period of time a number of TV stations were operating over satellite in Ghana in the Ku
Band frequency (12522MHz on the Astra 2F satellite) without authorisation from the
Authority. The NCA consequently directed that these stations be taken off the satellite.
2. If it is illegal, how did the TV stations broadcast?
The stations used a third party satellite infrastructure provider to send their programmes
onto a satellite.
This company provides services to some authorised broadcasting stations
including Multimedia. They were consequently directed to stick to the terms of their licence. It
should be noted that NCA encourages infrastructure sharing. Hence, authorised or licensed
entities are allowed to provide infrastructure services to authorised broadcasting entities who
may want to share their infrastructure.
3. Who is the third party infrastructure provider and what services do they provide?
The third party infrastructure provider in this case, is K-Net Ltd., a company licensed to
provide public internet data services using terrestrial networks and satellite.
4. When did the NCA take notice of the airing of unauthorised television stations?
From time to time, the NCA conducts monitoring exercises and when any unauthorised
services are detected, the appropriate enforcement measures are taken. In this recent case, the
stations were detected sometime last year and notice was sent to the third party provider and
the satellite company. A number of engagements went on, including the grant of a grace period
to ensure compliance.
5. How many channels have been affected?
As at 30th March 2016, the following 9 unauthorised channels have been affected:
• Clive TV,
• OB TV,
• ECN,
• Zoe TV,
• BTA,
• ATV,
• Care TV,
• Kessben TV,
• Elijah TV.
The Authority will continue its monitoring exercise and ensure compliance.
6. What are the procedures /processes before a TV station can broadcast on air?
According to Regulation 51 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, LI1991, the
application for a broadcasting authorisation shall be in a form and contain information
specified by the Authority. The requirements are published on the NCA website
http://www.nca.org.gh/33/23/TV-Broadcasting-Services.html.
7. What is the advice for people and entities who may be affected by this?
NCA advises advertisers and the general public to check with the Authority for the list of
Authorised broadcasting stations before doing business with any station.
These lists are published quarterly on the website. We encourage all stakeholders to ensure compliance with
the regulations covering the industry to ensure an orderly communications environment.
Issued by the National Communications Authority
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By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana