Story by Wellington Makonese
THE Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill has sailed through senate without amendments.
Before this, the bill was subject to interrogation.
“What is the purpose of the bill and its benefits to a service we barely get?” a Senator had asked.
“What value do we get from this bill?” another Senator interrogated.
“There has always been mandatory payment of licenses, we are just amplifying the part on licensing so that we get quality and be able to pay the content creators,” Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere responded.
Others quizzed on payments of radio licences in the event of ownership of multiple receivers by one person.
“What will I do when I have four vehicles? Why not pay license for one,” a senator said.
Dr Muswere also informed the house on progress being made in the digitisation programme.
The Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill, which has passed through the National Assembly and Senate, is expected to be fine-tuned by the Parliamentary Legal Committee before being taken to the President for assent.
