By Landing Colley
Public Utilities Regulatory Authority has brought engaged community radios on broadcasting matters that was aimed at looking for ways to addressing challenges facing the radios to grow, held at Kairaba beach hotel.
Director General of PURA Momodou Jallow who spoke at the conference said: “the broadcasting sector particularly the radio has grown significantly over the last few years especial the number of new radio stations and public interest program available.”
According to him, PURA objective is firmly ancon on the promotion of inclusivity for all in our regulatory sector regardless of location, describing community radios are now an important fabric in our broadcasting ecosystem for the fact that they allow for alternative medium, access to information at the community level.
However, quantity does not always equate to quality programming as the focus has been place to tv but equally important, he said.
He assured that his institution will continue towards creating enabling frame work to ensuring the optimal benefits are available for all stakeholders, he assured.
He urged the community radios to continue to help in this regard by detailing community relating and creating awareness as this serve as critical ancon in promoting community’s improvement and development.
Alieu Ngum, PURA’s director of board chairman said: “the authority has ensured that Gambia remain relevant among nations adopting international best practices in the broadcasting system adding that since inception the authority has never charge regulatory fees on community radios.”
He added: “we cannot deny the fact that the communities’ radios have the potential of promoting communication within their various communities reach. The benefit of active collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that news and current affairs presented are accurate and balance.”
Amie Njie who spoke on behalf of minister of information said: “the government is pledge to defend and promote freedom of expression, access to information as the radios holds the key that will unite the Gambia and improve the economic.”
“The government will also create and provide a conducive environment for the better development of community radios as they provide information to general public,” she said.