Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) submitted its recommendations on the review of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Act, one of the foundational pieces of legislation governing broadcasting regulation in South Africa. The submission calls for a strengthened, genuinely independent broadcasting regulator capable of upholding media freedom and promoting public interest broadcasting in an evolving media landscape.

MMA's submission raises concerns about the adequacy of existing regulatory provisions in addressing digital broadcasting, on-demand services, and the convergence of media platforms. The organisation argues that the IBA Act review presents an opportunity to modernise South Africa's broadcasting regulatory framework to better reflect the realities of contemporary media consumption and the public's right to access diverse, independent content.

Key recommendations include enhanced protections for editorial independence, transparent licensing processes, stronger community broadcasting support, and clearer accountability mechanisms for the regulator. MMA emphasises that any reforms must prioritise the public interest and guard against regulatory capture or undue political influence over broadcasting.