Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
4 June 1998
Post, Telecommunications and Broadcasting Minister Jay Naidoo today outlined the policy framework government would follow in developing the broadcasting sector in South Africa.
Speaking at a function in Johannesburg, Naidoo said the White Paper on Broadcasting Policy was a watershed in the history of broadcasting.
"After months of consultation and research, we are today tabling a document which details government policy on broadcasting matters. It is the first regulation of broadcasting since the Broadcasting Act of 1976 was passed by Parliament," he said.
The Green Paper and White Paper processes were subject to an unprecedented consultative process, beginning in August 1997 and culminating this month with Cabinet approving the White Paper.
The White Paper sets a policy framework for a broadcasting system intended to meet the communication needs of the wide and diverse South African public; create a conducive environment for a viable and sustainable economic activity as well as lay the necessary foundation to connect South Africa and its people to the global information network, Naidoo said.
These policy objectives are premised on a number of constitutional and other principles of:
The White Paper touches on a number of salient issues that are important to the evolution of the broadcasting system.
This relates to highlighting the public broadcasting service, and expanding the private and community broadcasting services, as well as creating a new regulatory framework in line with international precedents.
The White Paper proposes a broadcasting regulatory regime that separates powers and areas of responsibility for all role players involved:
"This demarcation for areas of operation for the various players in the broadcasting environment allows for non-interference, independence, accountability, transparency and openness in the system," Naidoo said.
The White Paper proposes a Statutory Charter to govern the activities of public broadcasting services. The Charter would provide for the SABC to account for its principal objectives, functions and powers; allow the SABC to operate both public and commercial broadcasting services; for SABC to be independent and to provide for a full spectrum of programming.
"The policy aims to encourage the entrance of new players into the broadcasting system. This includes new signal distributors by year 2000, a regional television channel as well as new private and community radio services," he said.
The policy also seeks to clarify the roles and responsibilities of private and community broadcasters so that the three tier system of broadcasting as established by the IBA Act yields a complementary and diverse system that would benefit all citizens of South Africa.
Policy proposals for the private broadcasting sector include the provision of a diverse range of programmes, reflect the diverse cultural make-up of South African society and provide programming of South African origin.
The policy also proposes the classification of broadcasting licenses so that appropriate regulations are put in place to ensure a fair and equitable environment for the different broadcasting operators. Accordingly, a separate class of licence for each broadcasting activity as well as a separation between broadcasting and signal distribution activities are proposed.
"With regard to community broadcasting services, policy proposes that community radio should be required to entrusted with a mandate to provide a distinct service that deals with community issues of education, information, development and entertainment," Naidoo said.
The policy proposes the development of a National Community Radioing to frequency availability for this sector, expanding the sector to needy areas as well as addressing human resource development and financing.
A Community Development Trust is proposed to look after the sectoral interests and development of community radio.
The IBA is asked to investigate the viability and impact of community television.
"Signal distribution is another area that deserves policy interventions. The White Paper proposes to restructure this sector to make it competitive. Some of the objectives proposed include universal access, affordability, repositioning Sentech for the unfolding multi-media trend and the allocation of the frequency spectrum to reflect South Africa's social goals," he said.
The White Paper proposes that the introduction of the new era of digital convergence and multi-media should also be guided by principles of universal access, affordability, fair competition, delivery of educational and public services, use of all official languages and local content.
All multi-channels distribution services will be required to acquire licences for service provision, allow for competition between terrestrial and satellite delivery providers and for the regulator to investigate issues related to vertical integration among distribution services or competition between DTH satellite services or a monopoly in this area.
The White Paper proposes the establishment of a Digital Broadcasting Advisory Council to advise on all technological issues relating to competing transmission standards to South Africa's spectrum plans. The Council will be required to present its first report to Government by 31 December 1999.
The White Paper priorities human resource development for the broadcasting industry to meet the educational needs of the country as well as the demands of an expanding broadcasting system.
"A Task Team, consisting of National Department of Education, the Department of Communications and the SABC, has been set up to investigate the viability and sustainability of a dedicated Educational television channel," Naidoo said.
The White Paper also proposes the establishment of a Sector Education and Training Authority to oversee the funding, setting-up of standards and accreditation relating to human resources development for the broadcasting industry.
The White Paper encourages the expansion and role of the broadcasting industry in the overall economy of the country. The policy proposes that ownership and control of broadcasting services by people from historically disadvantaged groups should be prioritised.
"To stimulate economic investment in the broadcasting industry, the policy endorses cross media control levels as provided for in Section 49 of the IBA Act, and that the IBA be asked to investigate cross media control between radio, television and print media.:
With regard to foreign ownership, the policy proposes that the current 20 percent ceiling be increased to stimulate investment in the industry. The IBA is to be asked to investigate the appropriate level of foreign ownership.
"The White Paper puts priority on the need to develop South African content. The rationale here is to stem the danger of a dependency syndrome on cultural products imported elsewhere, and to stimulate and encourage South African producers to exchange their products and wares with the rest of the world," he said.
The White Paper proposes the establishment of the South African Broadcast Production Agency to promote the production of South African broadcasting content and its distribution and exhibition.
"Policy-making is an on-going process. The White Paper on broadcasting policy that we are launching today should be viewed as the beginning, rather than an end," Naidoo said.
"This government is committed to review broadcasting policy matters from time to time, as may be necessary, particularly with regard to matters of content, technology and regulation with the purpose of putting South Africa in its rightful position amongst other countries of the world," he said.
Contact: Mandy Jean Woods Phone: 082 653 4211 or (021) 462-1632 E-mail: mandy@doc.org.za www.doc.org.za