Ownership review to have broad scope
“We will also ask for industry input on the vexed question of what constitutes control of the broadcasting licensee and other related issues” said Langa
Langa said that the review would also focus on issues such as coverage areas for greenfields licences and the question of national commercial radio licences.
“The Discussion Paper will attempt to reflect on the failures and successes of the last six years of commercial radio broadcasting with a frank assessment of all the regulatory and industry pitfalls so that we can re-evaluate existing policies” he said.
Langa made it clear in his address that the principles of diversity of ownership and black economic empowerment would not be “up for sale”.
“What is up for discussion, however, is the most appropriate regulatory mechanism for achieving these principles” he said.
ICASA aims to release its Discussion Paper for public comment by May.
Langa said that the review would also focus on issues such as coverage areas for greenfields licences and the question of national commercial radio licences.
“The Discussion Paper will attempt to reflect on the failures and successes of the last six years of commercial radio broadcasting with a frank assessment of all the regulatory and industry pitfalls so that we can re-evaluate existing policies” he said.
Langa made it clear in his address that the principles of diversity of ownership and black economic empowerment would not be “up for sale”.
“What is up for discussion, however, is the most appropriate regulatory mechanism for achieving these principles” he said.
ICASA aims to release its Discussion Paper for public comment by May.