Dear Editor,
The community radio industry has seen miraculous growth since its inception after the 1994 elections, this despite a continued lack of support from government and business.
Over the years the sector has managed to produce some of the industry's best, yet gets very little recognition.
Recent listenership figures have seen the sector moving to just above seven million overriding most national radio stations, which are well-funded and able to generate income.
This phenomenal growth can only be attributed to exceptional work put up by volunteers and slow paced growing faith from business.
It's however very disappointing that the government has not seen the need to fund and ensure that this industry blossoms, all the government sees is a tool that it can abuse and regulate harshly.
The way I see it the department of communication has to have a certain budget dedicated to uplifting the sector just like they do with the SABC.
Besides the fact that community radio stations are section 21 companies, they are expected to perform exactly like the public a broadcaster especially by the government.
Financial allocations to structures such as the MDDA have to increase; some of the government advertising must be spent on community radio stations.
Most of government spending has gone to commercial and public institutions that are already well-off and have means of making money while with community radio a free service is always expected, totally unfair.
If this sector has to continue producing best radio personalities and informing communities on the ground, government has to ensure its survival.
Thokozani Ncikazi
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Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.