BROADCAST CONCESSIONS RENEWED

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1 March, 2016

 

broadcast concessions renewed

 

The Honourable Randall Mitchell, Minister of Public Administration has approved the recommendations from the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) for the renewal of Concessions for a number of broadcast service providers whose Concessions and licences expired on Monday 22nd February 2016. The renewal of the Concessions provides for continuation of broadcast operations for a ten-year period.

Under the Telecommunications Act, TATT is required to make recommendations to the Minister on the granting and renewal of Concessions and to monitor and ensure compliance with the conditions established. The process of receipt of application, evaluation and the submission of recommendations to the Minister on granting of Concessions rests with the Authority.

One of the key issues taken into consideration by the Authority in recommending the renewal of a Concession is the performance of the Concessionaire in relation to its compliance with the conditions of the Concession and the Telecommunications Act. On signing the Concessions, Minister Mitchell commented that, “these new Concessions reflect Government’s commitment to a vibrant, inclusive and independent media.

This, in turn, improves openness, transparency and accountability in public life, and encourages citizen participation in the business of Government”. Since the Telecommunications and Broadcasting Sector was opened up to competition initially during the 1990’s and again with the establishment of TATT in 2004, we have seen the number of free to air radio stations in Trinidad and Tobago increase from just two (2) stations to thirty-seven (37) stations - an increase of over 1700%. “The renewal of these Concessions constitutes a small but critical part of the Ministry of Public Administration’s continuing mission to create a suitable enabling environment for the uptake and usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by the citizens, businesses, and public institutions of Trinidad and Tobago.”

The Honourable Randall Mitchell, Minister of Public Administration signed agreements renewing the concessions of a number of broadcast service providers, whose licences expired on Monday 22nd February 2016. The renewal provides for continuation of operations for a ten-year period. From left to right – Mr Cris Seecheran Chief Executive Officer of the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, The Honourable Randall Mitchell, Minister of Public Administration and Mr. Richard Madray, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Public Administration. Photograph taken Monday 22 February 2016 at the Ministry’s Head Office, National Library Building, Port of Spain.