Can he give fatwas based on what he hears or reads?

Praise be to Allah.

If someone asks you a question and you know the ruling on it from books and tapes whose authors are trustworthy, or from a trustworthy program, then it is obligatory for you to tell them of the shar’i ruling, because if you know the ruling from the sources we have mentioned, then it is an obligation for you to tell people of the shar’i ruling if you are asked, otherwise you will be included among those who conceal knowledge. But it is good if you say “So and so said such and such in such and such a program” or “So and so said on such and such a tape” or “So and so said in such and such a book” so that you will be absolved of responsibility.  End quote.