The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa hereby issues the Findings Document following the publication of a Discussion Document into the review of South African local content on television and radio. The process that drew a lot of attention from interested stakeholders and the general public, summarises the views expressed by interested persons with respect to the regulation of South African local content.
It is the Authority’s view that the summary is not exhaustive, but reflects on salient issues raised by interested parties; and these will assist ICASA to develop positions and draft regulations informed by the consultations and research conducted thus far on South African Local Content.
The Authority commends stakeholders who took part in this process, with some submitting that local content must be audited across the entire bouquet of the television service provider rather than requiring each channel to measure compliance with television local content requirements.
Others cautioned the Authority that excessively high local content requirements can undermine the viability of broadcasters and pluralism, particularly at the community level as this will lead to a higher number of repeats, ultimately resulting in negative consequences such as the decline in listenership.
Even though the Authority is yet to develop its position, it still believes that through South African music and television programming, radio and television can make a vital contribution to democracy, nation building and development in South Africa; while protecting and developing the country's national cultures and identities, and promoting local industries.
Enquiries:
Paseka Maleka
Tel: 011 566 3455
Cell: 079 509 0702
E-mail: pmaleka@icasa.org.za
