Broadcasters and individuals promoting or advertising stage plays and public entertainment will now require an approval from UCC, government announced.
This is according to a UCC letter to all broadcasters nationwide prohibiting promotion and advertising of stage plays and public entertainments.
UCC Executive Director, Hon. Nyombi Thembo says promotion of events such as comedy, tragedy, farce, opera, burletta, interlude, melodrama, pantomime, epilogue, chalogue, drama among others without prior approval by UCC contravenes Rule 9(1) of the stage plays and public entertainment Rules 2019.
The restriction affects broadcasters on electronic media (radio/Television), New Media (Online platforms / Social Media), Outdoor media (Billboards, Posters, Inflatable Billboards), and any other form of media.
“The commission hereby directs all broadcasters that no advertising, or promotion of any stage play and public entertainment shall place on your platforms without the person or entity proving that they have acquired the required permit and necessary authorization from the commission,” read excerpts of Hon. Nyombi Thembo’s January 21, 2025, letter.
The letter also directs broadcasters to submit monthly reports of the plays and public entertainment advertised and promoted on their platforms.
“Any broadcaster found to be in breach of this directive will be subjected to regulatory sanctions according to UCC Act,” Thembo added.
