BC-DX 789 05 Jan 2007 Private Verwendung der Meldun

These agreements are interim measures that will be in place until the
Draft Broadcasting Bill is passed.
But newly licensed companies will find themselves in competition for
broadcast time. The Telecommunications Authority is refusing to errect new
transmission masts which it claims would block existing signals.
This leaves only five additional frequencies for FM radio transmission.
Ten companies have so far expressed an interest in having a frequency.
They may have to compete for broadcast time on shared frequencies.
This raises question marks about the financial viability of private
broadcast radio. The Information Minister said his ministry could not
interfere in the work of the Telecommunications Authority.
Commenting on a critical report on the Draft Broadcasting Bill by
international media NGO, Article 19, earlier this month, the Information
Minister defended the impartiality of the proposed system of broadcast
regulation.
Nasheed said that the government had "considered" the report but was not
bound to act on its recommendations. He said that Article 19 had little
understanding of the "specific context" of the Maldives and encouraged
them to undertake "more in depth research" before publishing "elaborate
reports."
Article 19 are concerned that President Gayoom will appoint members of the
Broadcasting Commission, the body that will issue licenses.
But Nasheed dismissed fears that this will compromise independence. He
said that appointees would undergo "the same process of consultation as
members of the Human Rights Commission" (HRC).
Rules for the appointment of HRC members allow the Majlis to appoint a
seven man Ad Hoc Committee to interview Presidential nominees. The Majlis
must consider the Committee report and then vote on whether to accept the
appointee.
Given the number of ruling Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) members in the
Majlis, it is unlikely that any presidential appointees will be rejected.
Today's announcement also signalled the government's intention to broker
different Agreements with different licensees. All agreements with
broadcasters will share the same structure and basic terms and conditions.
But broadcasters will be allowed to request specific clauses or
adjustments to reflect their particular needs.
The Information Minister said this was a liberal measure, through which
the government can accommodate the needs of broadcasters. But suspicion
remains amongst broadcasters that the government will use tailored
contracts to create an uneven regulatory environment.
(NWDXC, March 28, 2007)
MEXICO 6045.03 R. Universidad (pres) at 1230-1300 UT on Mar 26.
Classical music, not very strong. No annmts hrd while spot checking the
freq; covered by VoR s/on at *1258 UT.
9599.31 R. Universidad at 1302-1323 on Mar 26. Last couple minutes of
classical piece; 1304 YL ancr with "Radio Universidad" ID and mention of
860 kHz; more mx to 1311, then short talk on drogas. Good at tune-in but
went downhill after 1300.
(John Wilkins-CO-USA, DXplorer Mar 27)
MOROCCO 7135: And noted too the extreme RTM Rabat powerhouse from