Government Considering Amending IBA Act

The government intends to start consultative works as soon as possible, said Prime Dr Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who was replying to a question by MP Mahen Jhugroo at the National Assembly on Tuesday.

Jhugroo wanted to know where matters stood in regards to the amendments to be brought to the relevant legislation for the operation of private television.

Ramgoolam pointed out that provisions already exist for the IBA to issue licences to private television operators.

However, he believes one factor that may be preventing the advent of private television is the restriction in section 19 of the IBA Act, which limits foreign shareholding in a company applying for a licence to 20 per cent only.

The PM pointed out that it is clearly mentioned in the electoral manifesto of 2010 and the Government Programme 2010-2015 that government will facilitate the operation of private television in Mauritius and will address the issue of shareholding in the electronic media.