Rwanda Utilities and Regulatory Authority has revoked the broadcasting license of Amazing Grace Christian Radio,American-owned Christian radio station, after this station failed to comply with the Regulatory body’s sanctions taken after a sermon aired by the radio on January 29, 2018 in which a radio presenter repeatedly insulted women referring to them as evil.
In the statement released by RURA on Tuesday, it was explained that the revocation follows failure by the station to comply with the sanctions taken after a sermon aired by the Radio in which a radio presenter Nicolas Niyibikora repeatedly insulted women referring to them as evil. Also, the broadcast followed a pattern of radio shows insulting other religious beliefs.
The conduct of the Amazing Grace Christian Radio violates article 21(4a and 4b) of regulation No 004/R/MR/-MCA/RURA/2017 of 30 June 2017 governing Broadcasting Services in Rwanda in regard to upholding public morality and Rwandan culture and values in general, the statement reads.
The statement continues, “Following the breach of the above regulations, RURA imposed sanctions against Amazing Grace Christian Radio, which included making an apology to the public by correcting the aired programme, a one -month suspension of the radio and a fine of a Rwf 2 million.”
The reasons given in the response to the letter sent to the station asking them to explain for non-compliance found to be unsatisfactory and consequently RURA decided to revoke the license for providing broadcasting services and the radio communication license issue to the Radio.
Amazing Grace Christian Radio is ordered to comply with the decision within two working from 24th April 24, 2018.
