“We also suggest that every Government program should have a 2-5% budget component for sensitization and awareness and this should be dedicated towards buying media across all platforms including newspapers, TV, Radio and online for communicating the new normal,” Karisa said.
The National Association of Broadcasters-NAB
has asked Government to waive license and signal carriage fees as a stimulus
for the struggling media industry. The NABS executive committee was appearing before
the Parliamentary Committee on National Economy chaired by Syda Bbumba together
with Uganda Communications Commission-UCC.
The committee is scrutinizing the effect of
Covid-19 on businesses. The NBS Chairperson, Kin Karisa told the
committee that media houses are struggling to operate and clear license fees. He
asked government to waive of broadcasting fees for three years to help them keep
afloat.
He also asked government to consider waving off
signal carriage fees charged by Uganda Broadcasting Corporation and Signet for at
least six months to enable media to disseminate government information to the
public. The broadcasters also asked Government to support the media using the
money for sensitisation.
“We also suggest that every Government program should have a
2-5% budget component for sensitization and awareness and this should be
dedicated towards buying media across all platforms including newspapers, TV, Radio
and online for communicating the new normal,” Karisa said.
He argued
that that they have been giving Government free airtime and its time the media
is supported at this critical time.
//Cue in: And you will…
Cue out:…going to Speak”//
Joseph Beyanga, the NABS General Secretary asked
Government to clear Outstanding arrears to media houses amounting to over Shillings 15
billion to boost their struggling businesses.
//Cue in: “Clear outstanding bill..
Cue out:…alive and afloat”//
However, the acting UCC ED, Irene Kaggwa, said they cannot
waive off fees at the moment, saying media houses cannot expect waivers and a stimulus
at the same time.
//Cue in: “License waivers madam…
Cue out:…is already limping”//
Uganda Journalist’s Association that was also scheduled
to appear asked for more time
Alex Otto
Freelancer