As we at Bush Radio fight to keep the station going financially through our crowdfunding campaign and engagements with government, we are concerned to learn of developments to close up to 43 community radio stations in South Africa.
The National Community Radio Forum (NCRF), of which Bush Radio is a founding member, today issued a press statement highlighting the plans of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to shut down certain stations for various reasons.
Today we commemorate Black Wednesday 42 years ago – October 19, 1977 – when the apartheid government banned several newspapers, organisations and journalists.
Today, ICASA, an institution for which Bush Radio fought hard to be established, wants to shut down more than 40 community radio stations. The effect will be the same as then – limiting media freedom and alternative voices in the broadcast sector.
Bush Radio strongly urges our democratically elected government to intervene in this matter. We ask ICASA to look at a positive resolution to help secure the future of the community radio sector.
READ: Press Release: Shutdown of 43 Community Radio stations by ICASA
See below for the names of the stations affected.
- Lekwa FM
- Lukhanji FM
- Mohokare FM
- MP East Community Radio
- Nkungumathe FM
- Ncuthu Community Radio
- Zibonele FM
- Greater Middleburg FM
- Merafong FM
- KZN Capital FM
- Catitura Community Radio
- Mozolo FM
- Lephalale FM
- Greater Zaneen FM
- Phalaborwa FM
- The Rock FM
- Devine Touch FM
- Emmanuel Haven
- East Griekwaland FM
- Franshoek Community Radio
- Giyani Youth FM
- Hlanganani FM
- Kanyamaza FM
- Kingfisher FM
- Kopel Studio
- Lebowakgomo FM
- Lekho Community Radio
- Lentswe FM
- Lethabong Community Radio
- Letlhabile FM
- Radio Kaap se Punt
- Radio Sekunda
- Radio Unique
- Radio Renosterberg
- Siyathuthuka FM
- Sunshine Community Radio
- Swartland FM
- Ubuhle Beshowe FM
- UCT Community Radio
- Vaal Community Radio
- Endermark Community Radio
- Bophirima FM
- Naledi Community Radio
Tags: 1997, 2019, 89.5FM, Black Wednesday, Bush Radio, bushradio, closing, Community radio, media freedom, South Africa, stations, support, the mother of community radio
Bushradio 89.5 FM 
20/10/2019 at 9:58 AM |
Community radio needs to adapt to digital age, by streaming online, releasing apps etc, time to launch a community radio portal for SA accessible via android phone? Let 1000 community digital projects bloom.
08/11/2019 at 3:17 PM |
[…] meeting was held to discuss the current crises with regards to the planned closure of certain community radio stations by the broadcasting […]