Findings of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) on the impasse between the Ministry of Information and Communications and that of SLPP unity radio have proven that the SLPP has permission to operate up to 1,000watts.
After investigations by the IMC in to the closure of the Unity radio station, the IMC complaints committee observed that the Unity radio has in their possession a certificate issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM) giving them permission to operate up to 1,000 watts effective radiation power (ERP).
The commission though reminded the Unity radio that they should strictly comply with the media code of practice which restricts all categories of FM radio stations in the western area to a maximum transmitter power output of 250 watts.
The IMC said when they questioned the SLPP why they did not wait for approval from them before relocating their transmitter and resuming broadcast. The commission said the SLPP answered that according to the rule specified on the application form as they said the applicant “had to notify the IMC about changes in the particulars of the transmitter and other equipment and that there was nothing there about approval”
The Commission though wishes it to be known that it was not for nothing that applicants had to notify the IMC about change in particulars of their radio equipment, because several things including wattage of the new transmitter, the proximity of the antennae to other antennas in the area, and possible interference had to be considered by NATCOM and the IMC before approval of the changes.
“However, given the current experience, the applicant form will be speedily revised to include the word approval
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