Africa-Press – Lesotho. Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) has threatened to take measures against the Radio Stations that mislead the members of the public. This the Authority
said on Friday last week. LCA Chief Regulatory Officer Advocate Thato Ponya said they will take action against the Radio station “misleading” the listeners.
This he said in reaction to the Broadcasting Code, 2022 that seeks to professionalize the broadcasting industry. The broadcasters have picked a bone of contention following the LCA’s push on enforcing compliance
with the Broadcasting Code, 2022 that was published in April 14. The regulations are operational from date of gazette publication. These regulations were
received with mixed bag reactions as some broadcasters felt hard done by citing among others exigencies of time upon which they are expected to comply.
Regulation 5 (2) of the Gazette reads: “A broadcaster shall recruit and retain (a) presenters who have certification confirming journalistic training of no less than 6 months of
continuous training from registered and recognized institutions; and (b) editorial staff who have certification confirming journalistic training of no less than
two years…. ” They also argue that they were caught off guard by these set of regulations. According to the regulations, the radio owners have two years to ensure that they have a trained
and certificated staff. LCA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nazim Goolam said this law should not be interpreted as taking jobs of the presenters who are already in the field.
Goolam said the Regulator, in concert with Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), has begun trainings that are meant to equip presenters with the tools of trade to competently
carry out their work. He impressed on the need for radio to have experienced presenters and journalists. “Let us capacitate our journalists to have the professionals,” he said.
The LCA -MISA training will produce certificates for presenters. These trainings are conducted by professional and independent trainers. Also from the Authority’s
Regulatory Office, Advocate Tankiso Mohobo said the broadcasting industry should be respected. He said within this two years window period, LCA will ensure that those without qualifications are “assisted”.
“Whatever we do, we do it in the public interest,” he said.
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