The draft Public Service Broadcasting Bill, released by the Department of Communications (DoC), yesterday after a consultative process. The Bill seeks to repeal the Broadcasting Act no.4 of 1999, so as to "align the broadcasting system to the developmental goals of the Republic". It a very significant media legislation that will shape the environment in which we operate for years. 

To this end, the Bill seeks to:

• provide Charters for Community Broadcasting Services and the SABC;
• establish a Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) Fund for public service broadcasting in the Republic (it is not clear how large this Fund will be - nor is it clear if the Treasury have signed off on the proposal);
• the Fund will be administrated by an 'independent' agency (like the MDDA);
• abolish regressive television license fees and fund broadcast media by a ring fenced income tax;
• all media (community, public, and commercial will be able to claim from the Fund for the production of "public broadcasting";
• revises the composition of the Board of the SABC; 
• outline the mandate of Sentech as a common carrier;
• clarifies the powers of the Minister in respect of public service broadcasting;
• in line with the draft local content strategy recently released by the Department, the bill further provides for the licensing of Specialist channels prioritising: Children Programming, wild-life and documentaries.

Interested parties or individuals are invited to post their comments to Dr Mashilo Boloka, Director Broadcasting Policy, Private Bag X860, Pretoria 0001, or hand deliver to the doc at Block A3 first floor, iParioli Office Park, 399 Duncan Street, Hatfield or email Miyelani @doc.gov.za or fax at 012 427 8059.

Enquiries relating to the Bill can be addressed to Ms Miyelani Khosa or Humbulani Rambau @ 012 427 8174 and 012 421 7046 respectively.