The Ghana Frequency Registration and Control Board (GFRCB) yesterday began interviews for frequency allocation for independent broadcasting in the country.

The criteria for the interview, according to Major John Ray Kwabena Tandoh (rtd), chairman of the GFRCB, include the market and financing plan of the company, as well as the programming philosophy.

Among the three applicants to be interviewed were Mr Kwame Panin, chief executive of Newsworth Communications Limited, Mr Lesley Osei, chief executive of Marlex Communications Limited and Mr Kwasi Sefa-Baah, representing ESN Communications Limited.

More than 70 applicants for mass communication frequencies were rejected. Major Tandoh said "they fall far below standard".