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1ST DECEMBER 2005
MEDIA RELEASE
The PSC urges the introduction of a
Broadcasting Act and Broadcast Authority

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) met with the Advisory Committee on Broadcasting (ACB) on 14th November, 2005 when the Commission was briefed on the establishment and terms of reference of the Committee.

The PSC was advised that, on 27th June 2001, the Post and Telegraph Act and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations were amended to establish the ACB to advise the Prime Minister on compliance by broadcasting stations with the terms and conditions of their broadcast licenses. The amended Regulations set out limited terms and conditions governing programme content and standards.

The PSC was told that the legislation was intended to serve as ‘an interim measure’ until the government tabled a Broadcasting Act in the National Assembly for the establishment of a Broadcasting Authority to administer radio and television licenses.

The PSC understands that The Joint Committee on Radio Monopoly, Non-partisan Boards and Broadcasting Legislation recommended the temporary legislation establishing the ACB and that this was agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the President and the Leader of the Opposition on 7th November 2001.

The Joint Committee submitted its Final Report to Government in December 2001 which recommended new legislation and the establishment of a Broadcasting Authority to regulate broadcasting. Regrettably, the Government and the Opposition have since been unable to reach agreement on the introduction of a Broadcasting Act.

The Advisory Committee, in fact, has no regulatory powers to govern broadcast programme content and standards and may only advise the Prime Minister on any action he may wish to take to ensure compliance with the limited terms and conditions governing broadcast licenses.

The PSC will, therefore, be seeking to meet with the government and opposition to urge agreement on the introduction of modern broadcast legislation which is consistent with internationally accepted precedent and standards and which will ensure that broadcast licensees serve the public interest and convenience.

The PSC is particularly concerned that, with the oncoming general elections, legislation is in place prior to the elections which will provide for competition in both radio and television, set and regulate professional standards and guard against the broadcasting of programmes which promote race hate and/or serve as an incitement to criminal behaviour, public disorder and civil strife.