BDP pushes for state media exemption from licensing

Opposition MPs were in full support of a proposal by Gaborone Central MP Dumelang Saleshando to amend clause 31 of the Bill by deleting sub-clauses (2) and (3), while ruling party MPs were at pains to explain why the clauses should not be deleted.

Clause 31 of the Bill deals with broadcasting licences, with sub-clause (1) stating the need for every broadcaster to have a valid licence issued by the Board of the Authority that will be established by the Bill if it passes.  The problematic areas, according to Saleshando, arise from the two subsequent sub-clauses, with the second dictating that "a state broadcaster shall not require a licence to operate," and the third seeking leave that "the authority may determine restrictions on the commercial operations of a state broadcaster."