Star FM defies NTRC shutdown order in St. Vincent

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has ordered Star Broadcasting Corp Ltd to immediately cease transmitting on the 98.3MHz and 104.7MHz frequencies. The regulator stated that the station has been operating without a valid FM radio broadcast license and frequency authorization since its license expired on April 14, 2026.

Star FM, which serves as the media outlet for the opposition Unity Labour Party (ULP), has defied the shutdown order. The station continues to operate on both frequencies and online, claiming the NTRC acted “ultra vires” and in breach of the Telecommunications Act. The ULP maintains that the station is fully compliant and has already obtained a Certificate of Good Standing from the Commerce and Intellectual Property Office (CIPO).

The NTRC maintains that the station may only resume broadcasting once it receives necessary approvals from the Minister responsible for Telecommunications. While the regulator cited a failure to provide required corporate documentation as the reason for the order, the station asserts it has provided the necessary paperwork the commission was awaiting.