COPYRIGHT
Broadcasters worry about 'unfettered' state power in new law on copyright
The aim of the Copyright Amendment Bill — to modernise SA’s copyright law — was laudable, but some provisions would harm the broadcasting industry and limit freedom of expression, MPs were told on Thursday. Filmmakers, musicians, broadcasters, print media and many other interested parties have been submitting their views on the bill during public hearings organised by Parliament’s portfolio committee on trade and industry. MultiChoice and M-Net argued certain of the bill’s provisions would negatively affect investment by broadcasters in local film and television content. They are concerned about the powers that would be given to the minister of trade and industry, in consultation with the minister of communications, to set local content obligations through regulations they believe would be unconstitutional. They also oppose provisions giving the minister of trade and industry "wide and unfettered" powers to make regulations on the terms of standard contracts. The minister would have...
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