Regulator orders SDCL to turn Government Channel 9 back on

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 29 AUGUST 2022: The Samoa Digital Communication Limited (SDCL) that owns and operates the digital television platform has been ordered to turn the Government’s Channel 9 back on. The Regulator, Lematua Gisa Fuatai Purcell had ordered the company to honour their license conditions.

The Order was prompted after the Regulator noted that SDCL had turned off the channel and did not broadcast the live proceedings of Parliament on 23 August 2022.

On the same day, she wrote to SDCL informing them that they have not only violated conditions of their licence but deprived the public off the important issues discussed in Parliament.

“These meetings of Parliament are of public interest and also a national program to be streamed live for all the citizens of Samoa through Channel 9,” said Lematua.

She said SDCL action had also restricted the Government from performing its duties of accountability and transparency to the people.

The Government Channel 9 is under the administration of the Ministry of Communication Information & Technology (MCIT) and SDCL has claimed that they have the authority to turn off the channel.

Based on Section 7(p) of the Broadcasting Act 2010, the Regulator ordered SDCL to:

• Turn on the Government Channel 9 and honour clause 23 of their License, and
• SDCL must not switch off the Channel until such a decision of Cabinet is determined for further need and utilization of Channel 9.

Lematua said SDCL’s failure to comply with the order will result in the Office of the Regulator taking legal action.