4.
(1)
There is established for the purposes of this Act the Independent Broadcasting
Authority which shall be a body corporate.
(2)
Subject to subsection (3), the Authority shall not, in the exercise of its functions, be
subject to the control of any person, body or other authority.
(3)
The Minister may issue such directions to the Authority in relation to matters
affecting the national security and public order and the
Authority shall comply with those directions.
Objects of Authority
The Authority shall –
(a)
promote the provision of a diverse range of radio and
television broadcasting services throughout Mauritius;
(b)
promote the development of broadcasting services which are responsive to theneeds of the Mauritian audience;
(c)
preserve and promote the plural nature of Mauritian culture by ensuring that
licensees include in their services programmes reflecting the linguistic and cultural
diversity of Mauritius;
(d)
ensure that licensees include in their services regular locally produced
programmes;
(e)
ensure that broadcasting services are not controlled by foreign nationals;
(f)
impose limitations on cross media control of private broadcasting services;
(g)
ensure fair competition between broadcasting licensees;
(h)
set acceptable standards for programmes and advertising and monitor compliance
with those standards;
(i)
ensure that broadcasting services (i)
are of such a nature as not to encourage or incite crime or racial hatred
leading to disorder or offending public feeling;
(ii)
give adequate coverage to information, education, culture, entertainment
and recreation;
(iii)
are impartial and accurate;
(j)
be the sole authority empowered to issue licences for broadcasting;
(k)
levy fees in respect of licences issued;