The LTA sent invoices to radio stations with new licence fees standing at a shocking USD 3000 up from USD400 a year. The move has shocked the media fraternity, especially the private media which has over the last three years experienced economic suffocation by the government which advertises mostly on state-owned media.

The move will impact on  freedom and pluralism of the media in Lesotho as most of them are already struggling to pay employees.
The amendment of the LTA Act to vest all  licence issuing and revoking powers in the minister is widely seen as a steady plot to close down private radio stations that are critical of the government.

MISA Lesotho contends this does not reflect a democratic state that is expected to observe international instruments that include the African Charter on Broadcasting. MISA Lesotho calls upon the international community, the civil society and the media fraternity to pressure  the government of Lesotho to guarantee media freedom and pluralism as principles of a democratic state.
 
Source: MISA Lesotho

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