Il Bahrain "liberalizza" la radiotelevisione

Volete investire in una stazione radiotelevisiva in Baharain? Secondo il Khaleej Times di Dubai, il piccolo stato arabo del Golfo sta per approvare una legislazione che darà "piena libertà di trasmissione" alle emittenti private e ci sono molte opportunità pubblicitarie. Piena libertà significa che non si può parlare di Dio, dell'Islam o di sua maestà Re Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. E che sono previste multe tra i 10mila e i 50mila dinari (un massimo cioè di 84mila euro) a chi trasmette notizie, programmi o pubblicità "non autorizzati". A parte questo, potete dire quel cavolo che vi pare, basta che stiate quasi sempre zitti tra un disco e l'altro. Che strane liberalizzazioni, eh?
Radio Bahrain, la emittente di stato, si ascolta attualmente su 6010 kHz, ma il canale è molto interferito. Un'altra frequenza riportata forse più spesso sono i 9745 kHz, in una curiosa modalità AM con banda laterale parzialmente soppressa.

Bahrain plans to give television and radio stations full freedom
13 April 2008

MANAMA — Bahrain moves towards attracting investment in the broadcasting media through a bill that gives full freedom to television and radio stations, including the right to tackle all topics except those against God, Islam or His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
The bill does not interfere in the administration affairs of TV or radio stations, except stressing on the recruitment of Bahrainis who are above the age of 30 and having journalism degrees and five years experience in the media sector as executive managers.
The broadcasting media draft law, which will be discussed by the Consultative Council (Shura) after the approval of the Parliament, aims to regulate the activities of public and private TV channels and radio stations based in Bahrain.
The government has prepared the draft law to keep pace with their policy of openness and to attract new electronic media to open branches or start their services in Bahrain. It was originally proposed by the Shura and the government drafted it in the form of law.
According to the bill, the licences for new TV and radio stations will be approved by the Cabinet, while registration will be completed by the Ministry of Information.
The frequencies and airwaves of TV and radio stations would be leased to networks and not sold to ensure that there are no violations. Unlicensed station would be banned.
The TV and radio stations cannot pass on their transmission rights to other companies or individuals unless approved by the Minister of Information. All TV and radio stations would have to obey copyright and intellectual properties laws and face fine and other punishments for violations.
Individuals and companies can be fined from BD10,000 to BD50,000 for unauthorised broadcasting of news, programmes or advertisements.
The bill categorises the broadcasting media as general TV and radio stations; specialised stations; and paid channels under the cable system.
When granted licenses, the broadcasting companies should start operations within one year. New companies would have to record their programmes for the first three months to check the quality of the services and the implementation of the regulations. The networks will be asked to prepare their programme schedule.