Following intensive consultation, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa has finalised and published the code of conduct for broadcasters.
The code of conduct for broadcasters sets standards according to which broadcasting service licensees will be monitored by the Independent Communications Authority and adjudicated upon.
Amongst others the code stipulates:
* broadcasting service licensees must not broadcast material which is harmful or disturbing to children at times when a large number of children are likely to be part of the audience
* broadcasting service licensees must not broadcast material which contains a scene or scenes of child pornography; bestiality and sexual conduct which degrades a person in the sense that it advocates a particular form of hatred based on gender and which constitutes incitement to cause harm
* broadcasting service licensees must not broadcast material which contains violence which does not play an integral role in developing the plot, character or theme of the material as a whole; or sanctions, promotes or glamorises violence or unlawful conduct.
The code is effective as from 1 August 2009.
A copy of the regulations can be accessed from ICASA website, http://www.icasa.org.za.
Enquiries:
Sekgoela Sekgoela
Tel: 011 566 3455
Cell: 079 492 3450
E-mail: ssekgoela@icasa.org.za
Issued by: Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
8 July 2009
Source: Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (http://www.icasa.org.za/)
