Ezulwini – The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has officially published Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for four categories of broadcasting licences, marking a significant development in the country’s media landscape. The licences now open for application include community radio broadcasting services, community television broadcasting services, free-to-air commercial radio broadcasting services, and free-to-air commercial television broadcasting services.
ESCCOM says the initiative is aimed at achieving multiple national objectives, including increasing content diversity to provide richer programming for all audiences, broadening the broadcasting market to foster competition and innovation, empowering local communities and creators, and supporting socio-economic growth through job creation and skills development.
Responding to media questions, the ESCCOM Chief Executive explained that broadcasting licences are not open-ended and unique, requiring a formal ITA process following a detailed assessment of the industry. The CE assured that the entire process will be conducted with transparency, fairness, and integrity, calling on all qualified entities with relevant expertise to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to the reimagining and development of Eswatini’s broadcasting sector.
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