64
No. 37261
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 24 JANUARY 2014
Given the recent history of challenges at a Board level, it is important to discuss and review
whether or not this process does ensure that the best candidates are appointed. Such a
review of the appointment process is not about casting aspersions on the structures involved
but a genuine attempt to analyse if the system can meet the desired outcomes. It must also
be highlighted that given the role of political parties in the appointment process via
Parliament, the process does not ensure that the process is free from party-political
influences.
In reviewing the appointment processes, the role and functions of the Board must also be
looked at to ensure that this process best assists in fulfilling these - and to consider how
those appointed are held to account.
8.8 Commercial Broadcasting
The licensing framework for different services is aimed at promoting fair competition while
ensuring diversity of ownership and content. As highlighted, though they are privately owned
and funded, the policy and legislative framework emphasise that commercial radio and
television services also have to meet defined public interest objectives, such as airing South
African music and television content.
It is important in a policy review process to examine each of the commercial broadcasting
sectors separately, as well as consider how they impact on each other. The possible impact
of convergence and digitisation in future must also be considered.
8.8.1 Commercial Television
There is one privately owned national terrestrial free to air television broadcaster licensed
currently (e.tv). E.tv (like SABC) will have the capacity to air more channels with the
migration to DTT. ICASA has also indicated that it will be considering when to licence new
terrestrial FTA private players after the digital migration process has commenced. Two new
satellite FTA services were launched in 2013 (Open View and Free Vision).
E.tv has to air a minimum of 45% South African content rather than the minimum regulatory
requirement of 35%. The channel first broke even in 2004 - five years after its launch. It is
now the third largest service in terms of audience (with a viewership of close to 69% of adult
South Africans).
As noted previously, the introduction of DTT will increase the potential number of channels
on air operated by either existing and/or new licensees - and therefore potentially the
capacity to meet key public interest programming objectives. At the same time though, the
increase in the number of channels will result in an increase in competition for audiences,
advertising revenues, sponsorships and programming. This competition, in the absence of
the corresponding growth in advertising revenues, will limit investments in South African
content production by free-to-air broadcasters. At the same time these broadcasters will face
increased competition from content services that are currently not regulated as
broadcasters.
60
This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za