Adventist Television Network

Guide to applying for a TV licence

The following steps are recommended: 
1        Collect information
2        Obtain a recommendation, (if a complex site)
3        Apply for a licence

Step 1:  Collect Information about TV broadcasts

The following technical information is often needed:

§  In order to apply for a licence
§  In order to purchase a transmitter

#

Information Needed

Note

Information obtained

1

What bands of transmission are used in your country? (VHF, UHF or both?)

1

2

What broadcast standard is used in your country?   e.g  PAL / NTSC
And what version:  (e.g. B,G, BG, I, K etc.)

1

3

What frequency ranges can be picked up by the TVs in your country?   [Example:134Mhz to 174Mhz for VHF.400Mhz to 512Mhz for UHF.]

1

4

Type of modulation used. e.g. 6Mhz to 8Mhz bandwidth, include audio carrier.

1

5

What is the maximum transmitter power allowed in your country?  [E.g. 10 watts, 500 watts ] 

2

6

Do the laws of your country allow for low-powered broadcasts without a licence?

If so, how many Km radius is allowed?

2

7

What antenna polarization is used by the main broadcasters in your country?
[e.g. Horizontal, Vertical or Circular)

2

8

What are the conditions for granting a licence?- [e.g. Local studio, % of local content, etc. ] Obtain in writing.

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note 1:  Obtain this information from a TV engineer or large TV repair shop.
Note 2:  Obtain this information from the broadcasting authority who issue licences [Not the same as the national broadcaster]

List of Channels being used at present
Please list all the channels bei ng used at present on your TV,
give Channel Number and other details requested.
Information may be obtained directly from broadcasters, or TV experts

Ch
#

Freq-uency

Name of broadcaster

Name of Channel / station

Power of transmitter
(Watts or Kilowatts)
         
         
         
         
         

 

List of Towers & Transmitters being used by above broadcasters

If possible, obtain this information which can be very useful
Information may be obtained directly from broadcasters, or TV experts

Location/ Address
 of tower

Name of broadcaster

Number of Channels

Power of transmitter
(Watts or Kilowatts)
       
       
       
       
       

 

Sketch

Please draw on the back of this form a sketch of the city, showing where the houses are and where
the broadcast towers are located.  If possible have North at the top of your paper (indicate by N)

Name of Information Collector  ________________________  Date: ___________

Contact Phone:_______________________Fax: _______________________

Mobile: ______________________ Email: ______________________________

Step 2:  Obtain a recommendation from ATN Technical

This step is required only where a city is regarded as COMPLEX.

A complex city is one where

1)              The city is large

2)              There is more than 1 broadcaster

3)              The terrain / topography is not flat – Many hills, valleys, etc.

If in doubt on this, you may discuss your needs with ATN Technical on Techinfo@adventist.tv

Step 3: Apply for a licence

Obtain the application form from the Broadcasting Regulator.

If assistance or advice is needed, fax the form to ATN Technical (+27-11-315-1382) or preferably email to: Techinfo@adventist.tv

Information which may be requested by Regulators

Question

Answer / Information

1

What is your preferred Channel Number?

Some Unions like to ask for channel 7
On UHF the lower channel numbers are preferable as they reach further.

Ask which channels are free. 

It is better to be closer to existing channels than to have a channel far away from existing channels.

2

 

Do we intend to use TVRO?
[TV Receive Only]

Yes

3

If yes. Which satellite is the TVRO intended to beam. Name of the organization or company? BBC, CNN,
DW, etc.

PAS-7, Hope Channel

4

What type of program do you intend broadcasting?

Our usual reply is:
 Inspirational Christian Educational, Health, Family, and Bible-oriented programming.  (Non-political)

If possible indicate what  programming you are able and intend to offer in local languages.

Attach document on “Values taught by the Hope Channel”

5

What power do you want to transmit?

This will depend on the reception area you want to reach. 

In a small town, flat terrain 1watt will reach 8Km, 2 watts about 16Km. Larger cities may need 40 – 100 watts.
6
 For what period do you request this licence? Ask for the longest period possible - e.g. 25 years.

 

See also: Other Guides available from ATN:  Guide to establishing Last Mile TV Relay Stations and Values taught by the Hope Channel.

For further assistance, please contact ATN Technical (Africa) at: Techinfo@adventist.tv