Compromised Icasa toothless against SABC.

Byline: Jocelyn Newmarch

Compromised Icasa toothless against SABC Weak broadcasting regulator suits both the government and big business, writes WITHOUT a strong, independent regulator to ensure the public broadcaster fulfills its licensing conditions and public mandate, only Parliament and the Department of Communications can call the SABC to account and both of these institutions are dominated by the ruling party.

The Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) regulates all airwaves and all fixed-line communications. In practice, Icasa has often maintained the status quo through light touch regulation or even self-regulation, rather than taking a proactive stance.

But the problem, say commentators, is that Icasa is itself dominated by vested interests both in the government and in business and its …