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NCA names radio stations whose licenses have been revoked

They are among 131 radio stations sanctioned by the regulator for various infractions after its completion of a nationwide FM Spectrum Audit

Among the 131 radio stations sanctioned by the NCA are Accra based-Radio Gold, Atlantis Radio and Radio XYZ.

The NCA’s sanctions which ranged from fines to total revocation of licenses come in the wake of its completion of a nationwide FM Spectrum Audit.

It would be recalled that during the inauguration of a nine-member governing council for the NCA in July, the Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu warned that all media houses that do not comply with the regulations of the industry would be sanctioned.

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Out of the 131 stations, 34 which have been operating illegally after their authorisations had expired, had their licenses revoked.

Other stations affected have also been given a 30-day grace period to settle their indebtedness to the regulator or submit the relevant documentation as indicated in the letters sent them by the NCA.

Some of the popular stations that the NCA has slapped hefty fines on include Radio XYZ which has been fined GHc 4,090,000, Atinka FM fined GHc 14,800,000.

Among the stations that have been fined, Radio Gold and Atlantis Radio are the hardest hit, with GHc 61,330,000 and GHc 60,350,000 respectively.

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However, 13 other FM Authorisation Holders have been given amnesty.

The NCA said in a press release that, “Twenty‐one (21) FM broadcasting stations have had their authorisations revoked completely since their authorisations had expired over several years and were operating illegally. They had also failed to apply for renewal 3 months before expiry of existing Authorisation and as stipulated in their Authorisation. The FM broadcasting stations in question also did not respond to a notice the NCA sent to them to regularise their operations earlier this year.”

The statement further added that, “Thirteen (13) FM broadcasting stations will also have their authorizations revoked completely since their authorizations had expired and were operating illegally. They had also failed to apply for renewal 3 months before the expiry of existing Authorisation and as stipulated in their Authorisation. This section of FM broadcasting stations responded to the notice but had requested for extension of time to regularise their operations, which the NCA found unacceptable and declined.”

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The regulator’s latest actions follow the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament’s expression of displeasure earlier this year about improper management of the broadcast media.

Meanwhile, the NCA’s actions have sparked debates among industry players, some of whom have questioned the criteria used in fining the affected radio stations. They are of the view that the fines are too heavy to be slapped on such media firms most of whom are already struggling to survive.

Click here for the full list of radio stations: Full list.pdf

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