ICASA recommendations on broadcast ownership laws

These recommendations represent the culmination of a comprehensive policy process, involving extensive public and industry consultation.

ICASA chairperson, Mandla Langa: "These recommendations, read together with the new policy we launched in January this year, will encourage greater investment in the industry, promote empowerment at all levels and ensure that commercial broadcasters operate in a climate of certainty and stability."

Langa thanked all those who participated in the consultative process and said: "We have now produced strong, policy-driven recommendations that should be supported by all key stakeholders in the industry."

The recommendations set out proposed amendments to provisions in the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, 1993 that deal with:

1. Limitations on ownership of commercial broadcasting licenses.
2. Limitations on foreign control of broadcasting services.
3. Limitations on cross-media control of commercial broadcasting services.

ICASA has also clarified definitions of 'control' and 'historically disadvantaged persons'.

On 13 January 2004, the Authority launched the Position Paper on the Review of Ownership and Control of Broadcasting Services and Existing Commercial Sound Broadcasting Licenses. This paper set out ICASA's new policy with respect to commercial radio and included plans to invite applications for 10 new commercial radio licenses over the next two years.

On the same day as the publication of the Position Paper, the Authority published the proposed legislative amendments for public comment. By 13 February, 10 written submissions were received from a range of stakeholders.

The Authority has now concluded public consultation process and looks forward to promoting further investment and growth in the broadcasting industry, whilst ensuring continued empowerment and diversity of ownership. For more: www.icasa.org.za.