Broadcasting Act to be amended - Nyanda
The current Broadcasting Act is to be amended in order to strengthen governance at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), says Communications Minister General Siphiwe Nyanda.
Delivering his Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday 23 June 2009, Minister Nyanda said the amendment will be done in consultation with all the relevant stakeholders.
"I have looked at the challenges facing the public broadcaster, which include governance, management capacities, and financial management challenges.
"The department will, therefore, amend the Broadcasting Act, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders," he said.
The Minister also announced that, once amended, the Broadcasting Act will be known as the Public Services Broadcasting Act.
He said a new vision and mandate for public broadcasting services, in line with South Africa's developmental agenda was required, and the governance of the SABC needs to be strengthened.
International best practice
The amendment will bring the charter in line with international best practice, and ensure that the public broadcaster is best suited to the country's young democracy.
It will also introduce an appropriate funding model to ensure that the public broadcaster is not left to the vagaries of the markets.
"I have set up a task team, comprising my department, national treasury and business turn-around strategists, with a view to effecting the successful functioning of the public broadcaster.
"This task team will also look at Sentech's strategic thrust going forward and advise me accordingly," the Minister said.
Article published courtesy of BuaNews
