Broadcasters will have to pay two percent of their income or 10 percent of their net profit in royalties.
(Freedom Forum/IFEX) – Freedom Forum is concerned over a recent decision by the government forcing broadcasters to pay two percent of their income or 10 percent of their net profit in royalties.
The government decision has come at a time when electronic media organizations have been demanding the scrapping of the policy to charge royalties.
This latest move will work against the flourishing of electronic media, said Freedom Forum, especially the community radio stations which play a significant role in enhancing people’s access to information.
The government, instead of facilitating the work of the electronic media which are working for the greater good of the public, has misinterpreted the Broadcasting Regulation by trying to impose an undue royalty.
It is the conclusion of the Freedom Forum that the electronic media which is striving for improvements despite limited resources, will hardly be able to bear the costs of the royalty as asked by the government. Therefore, this may result in their inability to survive and have a negative impact on freedom of expression and people’s right to information.
