NBTC panel extends trial broadcasting by community radio for 300 days
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The broadcasting committee of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has agreed to extend the airing of programmes on a trial basis by registered community radio operators for 300 days, effective from January 11 next year.
NBTC member Supinya Klangnarong, as spokesperson, yesterday said the decision had been approved by the watchdog’s committee on Monday to protect 6,601 community radio stations that had registered to air programming on a trial basis with the now-defunct National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) over the last two years.
Under the NTC's protection scheme, registered operators were allowed to run their programmes legally.
However, the current scheme was due to expire on January 10.
Meanwhile, the broadcasting committee is working on an outline for community radio licences, which would be for key purposes, including public services, commercial and community uses. Supinya said the 300-day extension would enable community radio operators to continue broadcasting on a trial basis until the revised expiry date, or whenever the watchdog considers a proper period after completion of the licensing outline, which is expected to be finalised in the next couple of months.
Thereafter, operators will need to apply for an official community radio licence.
The move is in parallel with the NBTC’s development of broadcasting and telecom master plans, the regulations on spectrum reallocation, and the spectrum-licence auction plan.
Last week, the regulator finalised the time frame for the return of broadcasting and telecom spectra.
This requires that state agencies return their radio broadcasting spectra within five years of the spectrum management plan taking effect, TV broadcasting spectra within 10 years, and telecom spectra within 15 years.
The spectra would then be reallocated by the regulatory body. Supinya added that the NBTC would hold a meeting with the major state agencies holding television and radio
frequencies, including MCOT, the Public Relations Department and the Royal Navy, on December 13 in order to ensure they fully understand the time frame and spectrum management plan, as well as to help them prepare for the return of the spectra by the set deadlines.
