Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
August 7, 1998
Key policy directives outlined in the Broadcasting White Paper have been given impetus with the tabling in Parliament today of the Broadcasting Bill.
In terms of the Bill,
the Broadcasting Act of 1976 will be repealed; a Charter for the SABC is introduced;
certain provisions of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Act are amended to give clarity on the powers of the Minister in regard to policy formulation and the IBA's powers with respect to the regulation and licensing of broadcasters;
a Frequency Spectrum Directorate is established in the Department of Communications; the South Africa Broadcasting Production Advisory Body is established;
and
a human resource capacity in policy development is established.
Jay Naidoo, Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Broadcasting, said the new Bill marked the first time South Africa had legislation regulating the broadcasting environment. The only other broadcasting legislation, the Broadcasting Act of 1976, only governed the SABC.
"This Bill enshrines the editorial independence of the SABC and the IBA, in law. The preamble sets out the intention of government to align the broadcasting system with democratic values of the constitution to enhance and protect the rights of citizens, including freedom of expression," he said.
"It is specific in the section on Fundamental Principles and Interpretation that freedom of expression, the journalistic, creative and programming independence of the broadcasters and independence of regulation are identified as guaranteed by the Constitution," he said.
It introduces the most transparent mechanism with respect to the SABC, a charter. "The Charter enshrines the editorial, programming and creative independence of the SABC. It is specific that the SABC in its news and current affairs programming should be independent from government, economic as well as any other influence," Naidoo said.
The Bill enshrines the independence of the IBA. But more than just stating this major principle, it goes on to provide specific issues which are the preserve of the IBA. This include granting, renewing and amending broadcasting licenses, regulations covering local content, programme requirements, coverage obligations, ownership and control compliance and management of the frequency.
"Any analysis indicates that these powers cover virtually all the activities involved in broadcasting, leaving no room or scope for government control. There is nothing left to control," he said.
The Portfolio Committee on Communications will hold a briefing on the Bill on August 12th in the Good Hope Chamber at Parliament from 9am to 11am.
Contact: Mandy Jean Woods PRO to Minister Naidoo Phone: (021) 462-1632 or 082 653 4211 Fax: (021) 462-1646 Email: mandy@doc.org.za