Regulatory authorities
The Mass Media Policy 2017 envisions an independent Mass Communication Authority to oversee the entire media sector – print press, radio, television and digital media. However, there is not a law yet to formalise it and the new integrated mass media law on the offing will create it. In absence of such an authority, various aspects of media are overseen by various different government agencies.
The Department of Information (DoI) acts as the office of the Press Registrar and registers newspapers and enlists online media; distributes Public Welfare Advertising to newspapers, televisions and radio; and issues press accreditation of journalists. The Ministry of Information and Communication (MoIC) oversees issuing and renewing licenses of radios and televisions.