Sonando Continues to Seek TV License, Radio Relay Station
Though the Ministry of Information has repeatedly rejected independent radio station owner Mam Sonando’s requests to obtain a television station license and a radio relay station, saying that there was “no space” for him, the government has approved at least three new TV licenses and 16 new radio relay stations since 2011, according to records on the ministry’s website. Mr. Sonando, a frequent government critic, said Monday that he would be lodging yet another request with the ministry on Monday. He said he has filed annual requests with the Information Ministry for a relay station since 2005, and for a television license since 2010. “I will demand a relay station and a new TV station license because the Ministry of Information must treat everybody equally,” he said Monday. … The TV license would be a first for Mr. Sonando, while he wants a relay station for his Beehive radio station to push his broadcasts further into the provinces. … CPP Information Minister Khieu Kanharith did not reply to a request for comment Monday. However, in an article by state news agency Agence Kampuchea Presse last week, Mr. Kanharith denied that his ministry had ignored Mr. Sonando’s requests for political reasons. “H.E. Minister [Kanharith] said the ministry lacks frequencies and according to the law, TV license is granted only to private sector, not to political parties, and Beehive Radio used to announce its support to a political party,” AKP wrote. …
Kuch Naren
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/sonando-continues-to-seek-tv-license-radio-relay-station-51335/
