MNET submission on IBA Bill

The chairperson, Mr. Moeti (ANC), welcomed the MNET representatives and announced that the scheduled introduction of the new director of the GCI was to be postponed until a later committee meeting.

MNET Presentation
The MNET representatives began with the general view of MNET that there is a need for clearer policy in the area of broadcasting. This policy-making should be an open and participatory process, which should take social and economic concerns into consideration.

The MNET representatives then addressed specific areas of concern. MNET supports the merger between SATRA and the IBA on an administrative level to help contain costs. Further, MNET is in favor of competition policy rather than regulation because it believes that policy tends to deal with current problems whereas regulation merely attempts to anticipate problems.

The need for a balance between social and economic obligations was stressed. It is MNET’s view that commercial broadcasters are currently disadvantaged as there are too many restrictions placed upon them. It is felt that placing more conditions for social action on commercial broadcasters results in less commercial success and interferes with industry growth.

Finally, the need for human resource development to facilitate universal access was addressed. MNET asserts that black empowerment on all levels must occur, including setting standards within the industry.

Questions from the committee
Chairperson Moeti (ANC) indicated that there would be public hearings on the White Paper on broadcasting so that all views will be considered.

Mr. Kekana (ANC) asked for further clarification on the difference between the public and commercial broadcasters. Secondly, he asked why MNET favors technology-neutral legislation. Finally, he asked for clarification regarding MNET’s view of competition laws. MNET discussed public versus commercial broadcasting and stressed the need for a national goal to make local operators succeed. Further, it was asserted that legislation based on each particular technology is ineffective as technology changes so quickly. The answer rather is to create general policies regarding the use of technology.

Ms. Smuts (DP) stated that MNET’s response to the Green Paper was very well prepared. She questioned why it was necessary for public broadcasters to take on commercial partnerships instead of raising money through state funding or advertisements. MNET discussed in its view the unfair advantage that public broadcasting has over the commercial broadcasters.

Mr. Swanepoel (NP) asked about the effect of public obligations on commercial broadcasting. In addition, he asked how South Africa could cope with the proposed 2 public channels when there are 11 official languages. MNET again expressed the need for less onerous burdens for commercial broadcasting.

Mr. Kekana (ANC) stated that since South Africa is not so developed, there is a need for technologies to be sensitive to culture and language. In light of this, he called for the recognition that standardization could be harmful. MNET responded that regulation must be flexible enough to allow for innovation but admitted that it is not just the responsibility of the government to ensure accessibility, there is a need for standards in the industry.

Mr. Marsh (ANC) asked whether MNET considered showing local content a liability. MNET reviewed its local content which includes films and a modeling competition, which it believes will also result in commercial success.

Ms. Vos (IFP) commented that international players are now coming to South Africa. She hypothesized whether a highly regulated industry would result in outside competition. MNET responded that this was a reality and it feels that the key is to create a climate where South Africa can compete globally.

An unidentified member (ANC) asked for more discussion on the merger. MNET responded that although it is in favor, the merger is problematic because of the difference in philosophies and the imbalance of powers.

Mr. Marsh (ANC) asked about the independence of SATRA. MNET answered that the broadcasting element must continue to be independent.

Mr. Green (ACDP) questioned MNET about its view of the unfair advantage held by SABC. The response was that when social obligations interfere with commercial success, a balance must be struck.

Mr. Beesham (NP) asked whether MNET has any programming that addresses the 11 official languages, such as dubbing and the use of subtitles. MNET replied that those concerns were best addressed by the regional television broadcasters.