NATIONAL AUDIOVISUAL REGULATORY BODY SELECTIVELY ENFORCES

UNCLAS DAKAR 000383

DEPT FOR AF/W, AF/EPS, AF/RSA, DRL/AE
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR KPAO KDEM KJUS SG
SUBJECT: NATIONAL AUDIOVISUAL REGULATORY BODY SELECTIVELY ENFORCES
THE LAW

1. (SBU) Summary: On March 14, the broadcasting licenses of three
local community radio stations located in Dakar's suburbs were
suspended for two months by the National Council for Broadcasting

Regulation (CNRA) for violating a law that prohibits these types of
stations from covering political issues. While technically illegal,
this type of activity is common. In this instance, these stations
were broadcasting favorable coverage of the opposition and it
appears the law was selectively applied. After much public outcry
and agreeing to cease and desist to broadcast politically themed
programs, the licenses were reinstated on March 19. End summary.


2. (SBU) On March 14, CNRA suspended the broadcasting licenses of
community radios "Oxy Jeunes" (based in the suburb of Pikine),"Afia
FM" (based in the suburb of Grand Yoff),and "Djoloff FM" (based in
the suburb of Linguere). Community radios in Senegal are non-profit
entities and therefore do not pay taxes. For Senegalese, community
radio stations are often a primary source of news and entertainment
and any closure of these stations generally generate popular outcry.
True to form, residents of Pikine were in the process of organizing
a march in protest against the closure of Oxy Jeunes when its
license was reinstated on March 19 after all three stations promised
to stop airing politically related broadcasts.

3. (SBU) Senegalese law forbids community radio stations from airing
political programs, debates, or messages, nor can they run any
advertisements (article 19). If the stations do not comply with
these regulations, CNRA can impose sanctions, including withdrawing
their broadcasting license. During a recent pre-electoral campaign
tour throughout the country, CNRA held workshops reminding community
radio stations of the potential sanctions for breaking the
aforementioned laws. In response to these workshops, a number of
stations did suspended their political reporting. In contrast,
Commercial radio stations operate under a different code and have
been extensively reporting on political issues. These stations,
however, tend to practice a good deal of self-censorship.

4. (SBU) Comment: In the lead-up to the March 22 local elections,
community radio stations throughout the country have been regularly
violating regulations prohibiting them from covering political
activity. What is of great interest and reflective of a growing
trend to repress adverse media is the blatant manner in which GOS
targeted stations that were airing reporting favorable to the
opposition.
BERNICAT