Removing Barriers, Increasing Effectiveness - amarc

At the same time there is growing recognition in the international human rightssystem of the value of community media, including in reports or statements of theSpecial Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commissionof Human Rights 49 , the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights 50 andthe Council of Europe. 51RecommendationsFrom the countries in which community broadcasting is successfully establishedsome common characteristics of good practice can be quickly identified.1. There should be clear and explicit recognition of community broadcasting as adistinct sector. The distinct character of community broadcasting can besummarized as follows: It should not be run for profit but for social gain andcommunity benefit; it should be owned by and accountable to the community thatit seeks to serve; and it should provide for participation by the community inprogramme making and in management.2. There should be a straightforward and transparent process for the allocation ofspectrum and the licensing of community broadcasting. It should be responsiveto demand from community-based organizations that meet the essentialcharacteristics; there should be no unnecessary obstacles that would exclude ordeter communities from seeking authorization; and the process should beindependent of political interference.3. The regulatory framework for community broadcasting should have regard tothe sustainability and resourcing of the sector. Licence fees should be set at anominal level so as not exclude communities with few resources. There shouldbe no unreasonable restrictions on sources of revenue. Community broadcastersshould be encouraged to develop economic support from within their owncommunity but assistance should also be provided through independentlyadministered public funding mechanisms.4. Reform of the legal and regulatory environment should be supported bycapacity building to assure the sustainability of community broadcastinginitiatives. This includes training in production and management, technical adviceand guidance, investment in social and development content, and support for49 The Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rightsstated in his Annual Report 2002: "Given the potential importance of these community channels for freedomof expression, the establishment of discriminatory legal frameworks that hinder the allocation of frequenciesto community radio stations is unacceptable."50 The Africa Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has stated: “Community broadcasting shall bepromoted given its potential to broaden access by poor and rural communities to the airwaves” Declarationof Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa, Principle V, Adopted at 32 nd Session of the AfricaCommission on Human and People's Rights, 17-23 October 2002.51 A report adopted by the Council of Europe Steering Committee on the Mass Media stated: "MemberStates should encourage the development of the contribution of Community Media in a pluralistic medialandscape." Transnational Media Concentrations in Europe, Council of Europe 2004AMARC Community Radio Social Impact Assessment 2007 Page 63 of 128