In 2007, Sierra Leone took a significant step to modernize its media regulations by passing the Independent Media Commission (Amendment) Act, 2007. This crucial piece of legislation, signed into law on July 26, 2007, updated the original Independent Media Commission Act of 2000 to address a rapidly changing media landscape.
The primary goal of the 2007 amendment was to expand the authority of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), incorporate new technologies like satellite television, and strengthen its enforcement powers through new standards and significantly higher fines.
Here’s a detailed, easy-to-understand breakdown of the key changes this Act introduced.
Key Amendments from the 2007 Act
1. New Technologies Added: DTH and DSTV
The most significant update was the formal recognition of modern satellite broadcasting.
- New Definitions: The Act officially added definitions for “DTH” (Direct to Home) and “DSTV” (Direct Satellite Television).
- Expanded “Media Institution”: The definition of a “media institution” was replaced to explicitly include DTH and DSTV satellite broadcasting, putting them under the same regulatory umbrella as newspapers, radio, and television.
- Licensing Parity: A new section (1A) clarified that all rules related to broadcasting licences (application, renewal, suspension, etc.) for radio and TV now also apply directly to DTH and DSTV services.
2. Changes to Commission Operations and Finances
The Act also made internal adjustments to how the Commission functions.
- Meeting Frequency: The Commission is required to meet for business at least once every month.
- Executive Secretary Role: The qualifications for the Executive Secretary were defined, requiring “wide experience in media or administrative matters.” Their responsibilities, such as day-to-day administration and staff supervision, were also clearly outlined.
- New Funding Source: The Commission’s funds were expanded to include “interest from investments made by the Commission.”
3. Updated Licensing and Registration Rules
The requirements for who can broadcast and how to register a publication were refined.
- Who Qualifies for a Broadcasting Licence? The Act specifies that a broadcasting licence can be granted to:
- A citizen of Sierra Leone;
- A partnership registered under the Business Registration Act, 1983;
- A body corporate (company) registered under the Companies Act;
- An international radio relay station.
- Newspaper & Magazine Registration: Applications to register a new newspaper or magazine must now include the “permanent business address of the proprietor” and be submitted with a “prescribed non-refundable processing fee.”
4. Broader Performance Standards
The IMC’s power to set standards was expanded. The Commission can now determine performance standards for DTH, DSTV, public relations, and advertising services, in addition to traditional radio and television.
5. Massive Increase in Fines
In a clear move to strengthen enforcement, the Act dramatically increased the penalties for breaking media laws.
- Fines that were previously Le50,000 or Le100,000 (e.g., in Sections 30, 32, 33) were increased to Le5,000,000.
- The fine in Section 36 was raised from Le500,000 to Le5,000,000.
- The fine in Section 40 was raised from “Le1 million” to Le5,000,000.
Why This Act Matters
The Independent Media Commission (Amendment) Act, 2007 was a critical modernization of Sierra Leone’s media law. By bringing satellite TV under regulation and substantially increasing fines, the Act aimed to create a more accountable and comprehensive regulatory environment for the country’s growing media industry.