The Broadcasting Commission’s primary role is to monitor and regulate the fast paced industries of electronic media, broadcast radio and television, as well as subscriber television (cable). The Commission balances the interests of consumers, the industries and the creative community in implementing public policy and law.
The Commission is a statutory body established by the Broadcasting and Radio Re-Diffusion Amendment Act of 1986.
Prior to this, the broadcast media were monitored by the Broadcasting Authority, which was created by the Broadcasting and Radio Re-Diffusion Act of 1949. The Authority’s functions were incorporated into the Commission.
Members of the Commission are appointed by the Governor-General, after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, and serve for five years.
In addition to enforcing the Broadcasting and Radio Re-Diffusion Act, the Commission evaluates license applications, monitor the operations of lincensees, receive and investigate complaints and advise government of policy.