(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is a 26 September 2002 ARTICLE 19 letter to Net Kekana, chairperson of Parliament’s Communications Portfolio Committee: Mr Net Kekana Chairperson of Parliament’s Communications Portfolio Committee Via facsimile: 021 403 38 45 Johannesburg, 26th September 2002, Dear Sir, ARTICLE 19, The Global Campaign for Free Expression, an independent and non […]
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is a 26 September 2002 ARTICLE 19 letter to Net Kekana, chairperson of Parliament’s Communications Portfolio Committee:
Mr Net Kekana
Chairperson of Parliament’s
Communications Portfolio Committee
Via facsimile: 021 403 38 45
Johannesburg, 26th September 2002,
Dear Sir,
ARTICLE 19, The Global Campaign for Free Expression, an independent and non partisan NGO that works to promote and protect freedom of expression, would like to bring to your attention its concerns on the proposed Broadcasting Amendment Bill in South Africa.
The new amendment jeopardises the fundamental guarantees to freedom of expression and editorial independence recognised so far to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
The Broadcasting Amendment Bill raises a number of concerns with regards to freedom of expression and information and editorial independence of the SABC and its staff. These include the removal of Section 6 which guarantees the right to freedom of expression in the initial draft. We however understand that this section is restored after the recent public hearings.
The requirement of accurate, accountable and fair reporting imposed on SABC and individual journalists, and the obligation to act in the best interests of the corporation is problematical and might give room to undue interference with their editorial independence and journalistic standards.
Requiring the board to submit a policy on how they will achieve the above requirements and also on a variety of content matters to the minister of information for approval is unacceptable and constitutes a serious threat to the independence of the broadcaster.
The new section 13A (2) is of great concern. This section allows the minister to appoint directly members of the new management boards. Although these must come from the board, this still gives him an unacceptable level of power and influence. Also, under sub section (4), the minister sets out the powers of this body through his power to adopt the memorandum.
Despite the stated goals highlighted in the memorandum of the Broadcasting Amendment Bill, there is a need for clarity concerning the setting up of the two new TV stations.
ARTICLE 19 therefore calls upon the Parliament’s Communications Portfolio Committee to uphold the separation of powers and roles between the executive and the independent regulatory body and to reject the provisions of the amendment that hinder freedom of expression, journalistic creativity and editorial independence.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We await your response.
Sincerely,
John Barker
Head of Africa Programme
Recommended Action
Similar appeals can be sent to:
Mr Net Kekana
Chairperson of Parliament’s
Communications Portfolio Committee
Fax: +021 403 38 45
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