Broadcasting Act
No. 4 of 1999
[ASSENTED TO 23 APRIL, 1999]
[DATE OF COMMENCEMENT: 30 JUNE, 1999]
(English text signed by the President.)
As amended by
Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act No. 13 of 2000
Broadcasting Amendment Act No. 64 of 2002
Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act No. 12 of 2004
Electronic Communications Act No. 36 of 2005
ACT
To repeal the Broadcasting Act, 1976 (Act No. 73 of 1976), so as to establish a new
broadcasting policy for the Republic; to amend certain provisions of the
Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, 1993 (Act No. 153 of 1993); to clarify the
powers of the Minister in regard to policy formulation and the Authority's powers
with respect to the regulation and licensing of the Broadcasting system; to provide for
classes of broadcasting activities in the public interest and for that purpose –
to provide a Charter for the South African Broadcasting Corporation Ltd;
to establish the South African Broadcasting Production Advisory Body; and
to establish a human resource capacity in policy development;
and to provide for matters connected therewith.
[“Long Title” amended by Section 97 of Act No. 36 of 2005]
Preamble
Noting that the South African broadcasting system comprises public, commercial and
community elements, and the system makes use of radio frequencies that are public
property and provides, through its programming, a public service necessary for the
maintenance of a South African identity, universal access, equality, unity and diversity;
Acknowledging that the South African broadcasting services are owned and controlled by
South Africans;
Realising that the broadcasting system must reflect the identity and diverse nature of
South Africa, is controlled and managed by persons or groups of persons from a diverse
range of communities, including persons from previously disadvantaged groups, and must
reflect the multilingual and diverse nature of South Africa by promoting the entire
spectrum of cultural backgrounds, religious backgrounds and official languages in the
Republic;