ESCCOM Publishes ITA for New Broadcasting Licences in SZ

• ESCCOM has published an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for new broadcasting licences in Shiselweni Region, Eswatini.
• Applications were accepted for four key licence categories, including commercial radio and television services.
• The ITA documents were available for download, along with detailed criteria and terms and conditions.
• Applicants were evaluated strictly according to the Eswatini Broadcasting Act, 2023.

Applications were evaluated strictly according to the Eswatini Broadcasting Act, 2023 and the published evaluation criteria.

The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has published an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for new broadcasting licences in the Shiselweni Region. The ITA was a crucial step towards fulfilling ESCCOM's mandate to create a diverse and competitive media environment. Applications were accepted for four key licence categories, including commercial radio and television services. Interested parties submitted their applications, with detailed criteria and terms available for download.

The new broadcasting licences were evaluated strictly according to the Eswatini Broadcasting Act, 2023. This legislation sets out the framework for the regulation of broadcasting services in Eswatini, including requirements for licensing and content standards. The ITA documents were available for download, along with detailed criteria and terms and conditions. Applicants were entitled to seek written clarifications or raise queries regarding the ITA documents.

The introduction of new broadcasting licences in Eswatini marked a significant development in the country's media environment. The additional licences will provide opportunities for organisations and individuals to expand their presence in the communications landscape, fostering competition and diversity. However, lawyers advising clients on media or broadcasting matters in Eswatini should have reviewed the ITA and evaluation criteria carefully to ensure compliance with the new licensing requirements.

Lawyers advising clients on media or broadcasting matters in Eswatini should review the ITA and evaluation criteria to ensure compliance with the new licensing requirements, and note that applications will be evaluated strictly according to the Eswatini Broadcasting Act, 2023.

Source: Original reporting via ESCCOM