The Lesotho Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has threatened to revoke
Harvest FM’s licence if it does not comply with broadcasting rules,
writes Mzimkhulu Sithetho.
The LTA, which regulates broadcasting in the mountain kingdom, has fined the station M2 000 (R2 000) for failing to present recordings of a live interview with Tseliso Manyeli, son of the leader of the opposition National Independent Party (NIP), Anthony Manyeli.
Manyeli had been invited into the studio to discuss the political situation surrounding his father, involved in a dispute around the outcome of the recent election. The son is said to have criticized the way his father’s case was dealt with in the Supreme Court.
The principal secretary of the Communications Ministry, Tseliso Mokela, lodged a complaint with the LTA that Harvest’s morning show, ‘Rise and Shine’ incites people to undermine the courts.
The LTA letter to station manager Adam Lekhoaba , who has fled to South Africa, warns the station that its license will be revoked if it fails to observe broadcasting rules.
LTA Public Relations manger Tsiu Tsiu said that LTA was concerned about vulgar language used in some programmes of the station.
He denied that LTA was putting Harvest FM under pressure because it reported negatively about government, but said the whole saga was being exacerbated by politics that have erupted after the elections.
