Broadcasting Act, 1999 (Act No. 4 of 1999)

NOTING that the South African broadcasting system comprises public, commercial and community elements, and the system makes use of radio frequencies that are public property and provides, through its programming, a public service necessary for the maintenance of a South African identity, universal access, equality, unity and diversity;

ACKNOWLEDGING that the South African broadcasting services are owned and controlled by South Africans;

REALISING that the broadcasting system must reflect the identity and diverse nature of South Africa, is controlled and managed by persons or groups of persons from a diverse range of communities, including persons from previously disadvantaged groups, and must reflect the multilingual and diverse nature of South Africa by promoting the entire spectrum of cultural backgrounds, religious backgrounds and official languages in the Republic;

ENCOURAGING  the development of South African expression by providing a wide range of programming that refers to South African opinions, ideas, values and artistic creativity by displaying South African talent in radio and television programming and by making use of radio frequencies that are public property and that provide a public service necessary for the maintenance of national identity, universal access, equality, unity and diversity; and

RESOLVING to align the broadcasting system with the democratic values of the Constitution and to enhance and protect the fundamental sights of citizens;

[Preamble substituted by section 1 of Notice No. 182, GG 24340, dated 4 February 2003]