Radio COMNETU

Radio Comnetu bridges traditional and digital media in Uganda with new licence

30 September 2024, 5:43 pm

A moment with the Radio Comnetu team.

Editorial

In a significant milestone for community media in Uganda, Radio Comnetu, the online streaming and publishing platform for Community Media Network Uganda (COMNETU) members, has received a licence to operate online data communication services.

This licence, granted by the Uganda Communications Commission in August 2024, marks a new chapter in the network’s efforts to expand its digital footprint and underscores its compliance with regulatory standards.

https://www.radiocomnetu.org/ is supported by the Finnish Foundation for Media and Development (Vikes), a journalists’ solidarity organisation dedicated to strengthening democracy and active civil society by promoting freedom of expression, quality journalism, and pluralistic media worldwide, Radio Comnetu is now poised to enhance its online presence.

Vikes is the only Finnish development cooperation organisation specialised in freedom of expression and media, playing a unique role in reaching media through global education and communications in Finland.

Radio Comnetu is committed to delivering news updates from Ugandan communities, educational content, and entertainment. Its online portal offers a wide range of media services, including live audio streaming, online news updates, and interactive digital platforms. As a key player in Uganda’s evolving online communication sector, Radio Comnetu bridges the gap between traditional and digital media.

Catherine Apalat, Station Coordinator at Mama FM, stated that this development is a major step forward for the digitalisation of community radio in Uganda. She noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many community radios wanted to go online but were held back by a lack of resources and technical support.

Radio Comnetu now provides community radios with the opportunity to reach a global audience, with local content that could generate income if well packaged.