Pacific

Samoa government plans privatising radio and TV

15:05 pm on 6 June 2007

The Samoa government is preparing to privatise the publicly funded Samoa Broadcasting Corporation which includes the SBC Television and Radio.

According to the main budget statement by the finance minister, Niko Lee Hang, this is to take place in the first half of the new financial year 2007/2008.

The minister says the privatisation will raise standards and provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

He says the private sector already operates two commercial television stations and a number of radio stations.

Several local media companies and business people are reported to have shown their intentions to buy the SBC TV and radio.

The owner of the privately-owned Radio Polynesia, Maposua Rudolf Keil, has confirmed that he will put in a bid.