DoC takes broadcasting bill to portfolio committee

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Pretoria - The Department of Communications (DoC) will present the Broadcasting Amendment Bill before Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications today.

Cabinet approved the amendments to the Broadcasting Act, 1999 (Act No 4 of 1999) for submission to Parliament in November 2015.

This bill does not create a new regulatory regime but seeks to strengthen corporate governance, ensuring the long-term stability and sustainability of the public broadcaster, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

One of the proposed changes in the bill is to reduce the number of non-executive board members from 12 to nine. The rationale for this change is to strengthen the board and to streamline its operations.

The DoC has reiterated that the proposed amendments are in line with the vision of ensuring universal access to broadcasting services in South Africa. - SAnews.gov.za