(MISA/IFEX) – A last-minute amendment to the controversial Broadcasting Amendment Bill appears to have lessened fears of government control of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and prevented a threatened Constitutional Court challenge by opposition parties and media freedom organisations. Under the amendment, which was introduced on 16 October 2002, the SABC Board will fall […]
(MISA/IFEX) – A last-minute amendment to the controversial Broadcasting Amendment Bill appears to have lessened fears of government control of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and prevented a threatened Constitutional Court challenge by opposition parties and media freedom organisations.
Under the amendment, which was introduced on 16 October 2002, the SABC Board will fall under the control of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), and not the minister of communications, as originally proposed.
The SABC Board will have to submit its policies on broadcasting, which include news editorial policy, to ICASA. The African National Congress’ committee chairman told the South African Press Agency (SAPA), “They have created a clause that expands on the charter of the corporation, that will guarantee [the] independence of the SABC, freedom of speech and journalistic integrity.”
The committee chairman also noted that programmes will have to advance national and public interest. The SABC’s policies will have to comply with ICASA’s code of conduct and the licencing provisions imposed by the regulator. In addition, before the SABC’s Board finalises the policies, it will ensure public participation in the policy-making process.
Background Information
In a 25 August statement, MISA expressed its concern over the South African government’s attempt to compromise the independence of SABC News and curtail the broadcaster’s freedom of expression. MISA noted that it is important that public broadcasters, without undue interference, dedicate themselves to serving the functions of informing citizens about matters of public interest, including acting as a watchdog of government.
Among the bill’s controversial provisions was one providing for Communications Minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri’s approval of SABC policies on news editorials, programming, local content, education, universal service and access and language.
