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Our regulatory environment
The highly regulated video-entertainment
industry in South Africa has become more
complex with several policy reviews under
way, as well as an inquiry by the sector
regulator. Our strategy formulation and
implementation are affected by regulatory
developments, including the Department of
Communications’ review of the broadcasting
sector, proposed amendments to copyright
legislation and the Film and Publications Act.
In addition, the Independent Communications
Authority of South Africa (Icasa) is conducting
an inquiry into the state of competition in
the broadcasting sector. Matters regarding
competition authority remain a key focus and
they, together with regulatory complexities,
are placing increased demands on senior
management’s time.
Regulatory progress was significantly affected
in the review period after the minister and
deputy minister of communications appointed
by former President Zuma in March 2017
were replaced in March 2018 by President
Ramaphosa. We continue to work with the
Ministry in the interest of the industry as a
whole. The DTT rollout is still the focus of
the Department of Communications and we
continue to participate actively in support of
the project.
Icasa competition inquiry into subscription
broadcasting:
In August 2017, Icasa
published a discussion document on
subscription broadcasting for public comment
with a postponed date for responses of
4 December 2017. The document’s objective
is to determine whether there are competition
issues in the sector that require Icasa to
take action by imposing pro-competitive
conditions on relevant licences. It notes
potential remedies should Icasa find a need to
intervene in the subscription-TV broadcasting
sector. With a team of internal and external
legal experts and economists working on the
matter, our submissions were made to Icasa.
The hearings started on 7 May 2018 and the
final date was 11 May 2018. We participated
in the hearings.
Controversy about ANN7 contract:
It was
alleged that we had paid this Gupta-owned
station disproportionately for content in an
attempt to lobby government and influence
policy development in our favour.
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MultiChoice South Africa Holdings Proprietary Limited
Integrated annual report 2018
Our material matters
(continued)