private tv licensing stalled without further notice
Bhutan may not have its first private TV until the next elections are over
Media regulator and licensing body, Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA), has further delayed the issuance of in-principle license for Bhutan’s first two private television stations.
Although BICMA’s letter to the promoters quotes cross media ownership as the reason for extending the licensing process, the two promoters including those who evaluated the proposals said this issue was long sorted out. The letter also does not specify when the license would be awarded, if at all.
A Business Bhutan source said that apparently BICMA was under pressure to delay the licensing and probably private television would not be licensed until the next elections are over.
“Looks like there has been a directive from higher authorities to hold the issuance of in-principle license,” said the source. “Otherwise there is no good reason why BICMA should be seeking an extension.”
The final evaluation report of the proposals was handed over to the BICMA director to discuss it with the board. Business Bhutan learnt that recently a meeting was held with the board members, following which the extension came into place.
A board member under the condition of anonymity said the findings were put up to the board. BICMA also made a detailed presentation on the proposals. “What transpired in the last meeting is not known. We are waiting to have another discussion,” said the board member.
When Business Bhutan contacted the BICMA director, he refused to comment stating that he is not answerable to the media.
The preparatory time for the submission of expression of interest (EoI) was delayed since September 15, 2011, which was then extended to November 14. Later, based on the request from the applicants, BICMA further extended the submission deadline of EoI to March14 this year.
By April, BICMA completed the evaluation and shortlisted two eligible promoters – Singye and Lhaki Group and Rabsell Media Services. The two promoters made a final presentation and also sat down with BICMA to discuss issues related to cross media ownership. According to the BICM Act, a person holding 25% or more stake in a media house cannot own or invest in another media business.
Talking to Business Bhutan officials from BICMA affirmed that all the procedures were completed and tabled to the director.
“As per the EoI, by May we should have got the in-principle license. “Now BICMA has sent us a letter with a vague reason related to cross-media ownership,” said the promoter of Bhutan TV, Sanghey Tensin, whose spouse has 50% stake in Business Bhutan. “I have made it clear that if I have to give up my wife’s share in Business Bhutan, I would,” he added.
Sanghey Tensin said Rabsell Media has fulfilled all the criteria and if BICMA cannot facilitate the licensing, he is ready to take up the issue to higher authorities. “We feel that there are some external forces that are blocking the proposal from getting through and this is getting too much,” he said. “Bhutan TV is determined to start by next elections.”
Promoter Ugen Tsechup said that they have also completed all the formalities as per the EoI and BICMA is sticking to cross media ownership to delay the licensing.
“I don’t even have issues of cross media ownership,” said Ugen Tshechup. “I see no reason why BICMA should hold up the licensing. BICMA is using it as an excuse to delay and looking for baseless excuses. It is also not giving a proper explanation,” said Ugen Tshechup.
However, he admitted that even if BICMA had given the in-principle license, due to the ongoing credit situation, they could take some time to go on air.
BICMA officials maintain that this decision came from the director and the board.
The information and communications minister clarified that the government has not interfered. “If the cabinet decides something, it will be given in writing. The speculation is not true,” said LyonpoNandalalRai.
Lyonpo also said that the government wants the promoters to have a clean start with proper guidelines and terms and conditions in place. “That’s it. We do not want TV promoters to be unduly harassed after they start,” said the minister.
The communications minister also clarified that BICMA has not updated the ministry on the recent developments. “It must be something between the authority and the promoters,” he said. “We have been lenient with licensing of the print media, we ought to be careful with visual media,” he added.
During the National Assembly discussions this week, Member of Parliament from Trongsa, RinchenDorji cautioned the government not to encourage private television.
He also spoke on the dangers of media being exploited by political parties especially at a time when the number of parties is increasing in Bhutan.
By Saraswati in Business Bhutan