THE Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) warned the country’s broadcaster on airing programming that was harmful to children with effect from next month.
This follows ICASA), the country’s telecommunications’ industry regulator, finalizing the Code of Conduct for Broadcasters.
“The Code of Conduct for Broadcasters sets standards according to which Broadcasting Service Licensees will be monitored by the Authority and adjudicated upon,” said Sekgoela Sekgoela, ICASA spokesperson.
Among other regulations that the Code stipulates is that broadcasting service licensees must not broadcast material which is harmful or disturbing to children at times when a large number of children are likely to be part of the audience.
Broadcasting service licensees must not broadcast material which contains a scene or scenes of child pornography; bestiality and sexual conduct which degrades a person in the sense that it advocates a particular form of hatred based on gender and which constitutes incitement to cause harm, the regulations stipulates.
ICASA added that broadcasting service licensees must not broadcast material which contains violence which does not play an integral role in developing the plot, character or theme of the material as a whole; or sanctions, promotes or glamourises violence or unlawful conduct.
The Code is effective as from 1 August.
