The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (“the Authority”) published a Discussion Paper (“the Discussion Paper”) on the Review of Self-Help Stations (“the Review”) on 6 December 2004. The purpose of the Discussion Paper was to generate comment from all stakeholders on the Review of Self-Help Stations. Section 28 of the Independent Broadcasting Act, No. 153 of 1993 (“IBA Act”) provides that the Authority may from time to time conduct an inquiry into any matter relevant to the achievement and application of the principles of broadcasting as enunciated in section 2 of the Act.

The objective of these regulations is to develop, protect and promote a national and provincial identity, culture and character.

On 26 September 2005, notice of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Amendment Bill [B32-2005] ("the Bill") was published in Notice 1783, Government Gazette No. 28050 dated 20 September 2005. The purpose of the Bill is to effect amendments to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act, 2000 ("the ICASA Act"). Interested persons were invited to make representations on the Bill, the closing date for which is 10 October 2005.

The Department of Communications (“the Department”) has issued what is styled “Draft 1 Digital Migration of Broadcasting Systems and Policy Issue Paper” (“the Digital Paper”) and has called for a select group of stake-holders to comment thereon by 28 January 2005.

The NAB fully acknowledges the importance of broadcasters addressing disability issues. We are of the view that a Code as proposed by ICASA will go a long way in providing broadcasters with guidance in reaching these goals. The NAB is generally supportive of the approach taken by ICASA

On 03 December 2004, ICASA, in terms of section 31 (2) of the IBA Act, 1993, invited interested parties to give written input on the draft broadcast frequency plan (“draft plan”) and policy issues laid out in section 2 of the document. The National Association of Broadcasters (“the NAB”) welcomes the opportunity to make these written representations.

On 23 April 2004 the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa ("the Authority") published (under Government Notice726 of 2004 in Government Gazette No.26289) a Discussion Paper on Subscription Broadcasting ("the Discussion Paper"), with a view to generating comment from all stakeholders on the introduction of a regulatory framework for subscription broadcasting in South Africa.

The NAB has been part of the consultative process to develop the draft Convergence Bill since the process started in 2003. The NAB therefore also wishes to thank the Department of Communications (“the Department”) for its efforts in ensuring broad industry involvement in the drafting of the Convergence Bill.