National broadcasting body due
May 11, 2004
CABINET has approved a proposal to merge Radio Uganda and Uganda Television (UTV) in order to streamline their operations.
By Yunusu Abbey
CABINET has approved a proposal to merge Radio Uganda and Uganda Television (UTV) in order to streamline their operations.
Addressing the weekly media briefing recently, information state minister James Nsaba Buturo said the move aimed at establishing a first class public service broadcaster that would raise broadcasting standards in Uganda.
He said a new body, the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), would run the stations under the merger, adding that he would table the Bill in Parliament soon.
Buturo said under the programme, the Government planned to open up radio stations in every region to reach out to the masses.
He denied that Uganda had privatised the 50-year-old radio station.
“This is false. The new corporation will not be privatised. It will remain 100% state-owned,†Buturo said.
“Uganda would not be the first country in the world to privatise such a public service broadcaster,†he said.
He said to-date, the radio is the only station that can be received throughout the country and beyond.
However, since the Government started licensing private FM radio stations in 1993, Radio Uganda, which operates from Nile Avenue in Kampala, has lost its fame and broadcasting standards have deteriorating over the years.
Ends
CABINET has approved a proposal to merge Radio Uganda and Uganda Television (UTV) in order to streamline their operations.
Addressing the weekly media briefing recently, information state minister James Nsaba Buturo said the move aimed at establishing a first class public service broadcaster that would raise broadcasting standards in Uganda.
He said a new body, the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), would run the stations under the merger, adding that he would table the Bill in Parliament soon.
Buturo said under the programme, the Government planned to open up radio stations in every region to reach out to the masses.
He denied that Uganda had privatised the 50-year-old radio station.
“This is false. The new corporation will not be privatised. It will remain 100% state-owned,†Buturo said.
“Uganda would not be the first country in the world to privatise such a public service broadcaster,†he said.
He said to-date, the radio is the only station that can be received throughout the country and beyond.
However, since the Government started licensing private FM radio stations in 1993, Radio Uganda, which operates from Nile Avenue in Kampala, has lost its fame and broadcasting standards have deteriorating over the years.
Ends