Plans for further commercial radio licences
No commercial radio licences have been issued since 1997, although the IBA at one time asked for ‘expressions of interest’ for commercial licences in secondary markets (areas outside Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban).
It appears that the viability study will not be confined to secondary markets only but will encompass a broad review of the existing policy and the status of the radio market generally.
The announcement comes as good news to many in the industry. In a survey of investors and media owners conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the NAB last year, the lack of new licensing opportunities in the radio market was cited as a major frustration.
It appears that the viability study will not be confined to secondary markets only but will encompass a broad review of the existing policy and the status of the radio market generally.
The announcement comes as good news to many in the industry. In a survey of investors and media owners conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the NAB last year, the lack of new licensing opportunities in the radio market was cited as a major frustration.