The broadcasting industry will be under pressure today as the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) prepares to appear before Parliament, while MultiChoice and MNet are ready to face the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA).
Allegations of non-compliance to the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) were first levelled against MultiChoice and MNet in 2007, by Caxton and CTP Publishers and Printers Limited.
The matter was subsequently taken to the High Court, which ordered ICASA to hear the matter. An ICASA Complaints and Compliance Committee will hear the case today and tomorrow.
According to ICASA, the allegations refer to non-compliance with Sections 64 (limitations of foreign control on commercial broadcasting services), 65 (limitations of control of commercial broadcasting services) and 66 (limitations on cross-media control of commercial broadcasting services) of the ECA by MultiChoice and MNet.
Meanwhile, the deteriorating state of corporate governance and leadership at the SABC has prompted the Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications to step in and demand an explanation.
Not so transparent
The SABC will appear before the committee today and will be expected to provide a revised turnaround strategy; explain the functionality of the board; and account for the controversy relating to the appointment of Phil Molefe as head of news and current affairs.
The parliamentary committee has split the meeting into two sessions and media have been excluded from the first session. Citing legal concerns for this decision, the committee notes that the afternoon session will be open to the media.
“The committee is cognisant that some of the issues that may be raised either relate to pending litigation or may lead to litigation. To this end, the committee would like to demonstrate its respect for any pending legal processes.
“Thus, while the committee, at all times, supports transparency, it has, in terms of National Assembly Rule 152(1), unanimously agreed to receive inputs during a closed session of the meeting that will be held in the morning to ensure that it balances its obligation of effective oversight with the right of persons who may potentially be affected by matters that are of a private nature.
“The committee is further confident that the closed session will ensure maximum participation and co-operation. The afternoon session will remain open to the public and the media,” reads the parliamentary note.
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