Zodiak issued with TV licence, kudos to JB
Zodiak Broadcasting Service whose radio station is popular and has mobile television services has now been granted the TV licence, Nyasa Times has learnt.
Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) denied Zodiak and other 30 plus applicants of television operating licences and only gave the four TV licences to late President Bingu wa Mutharika cronies.
But since the change of the administration to President Mrs Joyce Banda, MACRA has issued the TV licence to Zodiak , Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu has confirmed.
Kunkuyu said the operators have to roll out their transmission “within six months” and ensure that they have “long term and sound financial base for the sustainability of [their] broadcasting houses.”
Gospel Kazako the managing director of ZBS speaking to Nyasa Timesin a telephone interview on Wednesday confirmed that they have got wind of the news of the TV licence.
“I think this is very welcome development,” said Kazako.
“We are receiving this on behalf of all Malawians,” he added.
The regulator called for applications of TV and radio license application in 2009 but last year only awarded four television stations Galaxy (owned by Mutharika), CAN, ABC and Getway.
Kazako said Zodiak will ensure that they would roll out their services soon.
However, Joy TV channel which stopped transmissions in 2007 due to licensing issues in Malawi has not been considered .
Kunkuyu said Joy TV should start re-applying for the licence saying the previous one did not pass initial steps thereby breached Communication Act.
Malawi’s media giant BP&P Times, the publishers of The Daily Times, Weekend Times, Malawi News and Sunday Times who also did put a bid for TV station has reportedly been considered.
Currently, Malawi has three licenced television stations, including state-owned Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, Catholic Church owned Luntha TV and AFJ TV owned by All For Jesus Pentecostal Church.
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