Gambiaj;com – (BANJUL) – The Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) announced today, that the Minister of Information has revoked the licenses of five commercial radio stations due to their operation with expired licenses. This action, effective from July 26th, 2024, was undertaken under section 235 of the Information and Communications Act, 2009.

The radio stations affected by this revocation are Al Fallah FM, Janneh Koto, Deggo FM, Mahlegenn Communications Network, Banjul FM.

PURA emphasized that this move is part of its ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and the terms and conditions of the licenses. The stations were found to be in violation of section 229(1) of the Information and Communications Act, 2009, which mandates that no broadcasting service can operate without a valid license. This section states:

“A person shall not broadcast, or otherwise operate a broadcasting service or do or permit anything to be done for which a broadcasting license is required under this Act, unless he or she is in possession of the appropriate license so required, in addition to any other license or certificate which may be prescribed by this Act for the transmission on or operation of a broadcasting service undertaken by him or her or for the doing of that thing.”

The revocation of these licenses means that any broadcasting activities by the listed stations from July 26th, 2024, onwards are illegal and subject to legal penalties. PURA has pledged to continue its monitoring efforts to ensure compliance and efficient spectrum use.

PURA also issued a caution to all license and authorization holders to ensure that their licenses are current and adhere to all regulatory requirements. This exercise was conducted in consultation with the Broadcasting Enforcement Committee, which includes representatives from PURA, the Ministry of Information, the Media Council of The Gambia, the Ministry of Justice, The Gambia Revenue Authority, and The Gambia Police Force.

The Authority says it remains committed to equity in development through professionalism and partnership.