Broadcom allows fee relief before licence revocation

The Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) has introduced a provision allowing broadcasters to seek relief for unpaid licence fees before the revocation of their broadcasting licences.

The change was made through the second amendment to the Broadcasting Regulations, which was published in the Government Gazette on Monday.

Under Article 15(a) of the existing regulation, a broadcaster’s licence can be revoked if the annual fee remains unpaid for two consecutive years. Until now, the regulation did not include a provision for granting relief in such cases.

The new amendment adds a clause allowing broadcasters who have not paid their annual fees for two consecutive years to apply for relief. The Commission may consider granting the relief based on supporting documents submitted with the application.

The provision requires the Commission to consider the rules outlined in the government’s finance regulations, specifically the procedures for applying for relief, benefits, and waivers in transactions involving public offices.

While the amendment allows for the possibility of relief, it does not outline specific amounts or detailed conditions under which relief will be granted.