Media Institute of Southern Africa (Windhoek)
25 July 2008
press release
On 21 July 2008 the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) imposed a nine-month suspension on Harvest FM for what it called "failure to cooperate with the authority."
LCA chairperson Metsing Mangoaela said the station would be suspended for nine months, six of which would be set aside if the station does not commit a similar offence during that time. Effectively the station is suspended for 3 months. The station will broadcast again on 21 October 2008.
The popular radio station was asked by the regulatory body three months ago to show cause as to why it could not be closed. This was after the Commissioner of Police and the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Communications filed complaints with LCA, claiming Harvest FM had broadcast opinions that were intended to damage their dignity as individuals.
Harvest FM has become the first victim of the LCA's intentions to put pressure on the broadcast media using the amended Lesotho Telecommunications Act (LTA), which gives power to the Minister to shut down a radio station without prior hearing if she or he deems it has contravened the broadcasting law.
Harvest FM is accused of being openly critical of the Lesotho government. The station had received several threats prior to this suspension.
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If i was paid the salary by Lesotho goverment then i would say exactly what PRM has said above. But because i am just a citizen of the mountain kingdom and a supporter of Harvest FM, Then i'll say from my observetion the station was TARGETED by the goverment since the 2007 elections. So the undemocratic goverment of LESOTHO has finally managed to suspend Harvest through "ITS" LCA!
I would like to respond to your story on the suspension of Harvest FM licence. First, the suspension of Harvest FM licence is for 12 months, nine of which were suspended. Secondly, the reasons for suspension of Harvest FM licence are for its non-compliance with its licence conditions and for breach of the broadcasting code, not any purported reasons. Thirdly, nowhere in the complaints received by the LCA the complainants state to have been damaged as individuals. Fourthly, LCA does not have “any stated intensions” or otherwise to put pressure on the broadcast media through closing them. You should note that LCA does not initiate cases against any broadcaster in Lesotho. It is LCA that granted the licence to Harvest FM and as a regulator it has the obligation to see to it that it abides by its conditions. We, as LCA are not aware of any amended Lesotho Telecommunications Act which gives the Minister some powers to shut down radio stations. However, there is such a bill before Parliament and whether it will become law or not is another matter.