Picture: The Platinum North West TV delegation after being awarded a licence/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 December 2024- The North West-based community television, Platinum North West TV (PNW-TV), has successfully been granted a broadcasting license by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
This comes after an extensive process that was undertaken by the regulator as part of the Invitation to Pre-Register (ITP-R) for Community Television Broadcasting Service and Radio Frequency Spectrum Licences.
The PNW-TV CEO, Jonathan Ramotsei said, the extensive process includes the project being moved from Phase 1 to Phase 2, as well as a public hearing that was held in Mahikeng on 16 May 2024, and ultimately being granted a licence on 11 December 2024.
Ramotsei said the process saw Platinum North West TV being the only remaining applicants out of 37 and 20 that were reviewed in Phase 1. He further said the station was the only applicant that met the pre-qualification criteria and advanced to Phase 2 of the licensing processes.
“This significant achievement marks a new era for the North West province, which has been without a television station dedicated to telling its stories. Platinum North West TV is expected to close the gap that has been in existence for many years.
“Our motto reads: thus Our People, Our Community, Our Stories. This challenges us as the project to prioritise the people of the North West. We promise to do that with distinctions now that the regulator has issued this licence,” said Ramotsei.
He added that they are excited to continue with their mission of being a key player in the industry, showcasing innovative content that meets modern-day life needs and serves as a voice for the underserved.
Ramotsei said the Platinum North West TV has been playing a critical role in the development of young people, especially those in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, who have been beneficiaries of the internships and learnership programs the station offers.
“The licence now allows the project to extend these opportunities to other districts of the province with a clear focus on the communities with less opportunities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the founder and chairperson of the Board, Isaak Tshabalala shared the same sentiments. Tshabalala said they are happy after patiently waiting for years.
“This was not our first attempt and we have learned a lot in the process on how to build a community television station that will serve our people in our province. We call upon the people of this wonderful province to rally behind us and support the future television channel.
“As the Board of Platinum North West TV, we will in due course announce the dates for the first historic broadcast of the channel,” he said.
Tshabalala said while the channel has been granted a licence to broadcast on the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Platform as a free-to-air channel, it will also try its best to maximise its broadcast by joining other broadcast platforms that will ensure its accessibility to all corners of the province.
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