The Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), Bérard Duprés, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to independence, transparency and ethical standards. The government is preparing amendments to the SBC Act. These changes are part of the upcoming SBC Amendment Act 2026.
In a recent interview, Mr Duprés said there had been no consultation with SBC on the proposed amendment. He also understands the bill is already prepared to be tabled.
“Unfortunately there has been no consultation with SBC. I have been made aware that the Act will be going before the National Assembly. It is already a bill, and we would have expected that the entity which the Act will affect would have had the opportunity to have a say on it,” he said.
Earlier this year, in a message to staff, Mr Duprés said the planned SBC Amendment Act 2026 is expected to be tabled before the National Assembly. In fact, President Patrick Herminie announced this in his State of the Nation Address.
Mr Duprés said legislative reform is a normal function of government and should not, on its own, cause concern. However, he added that the way the proposed reform has been presented publicly required clarification.
“It is important to address the manner in which this proposed reform has been publicly framed, particularly the implication that it is required to reinforce ethical standards, codes of conduct, and the principle that public office is exercised for service to the public and not for personal interest,” Mr Duprés said.
He stated that the SBC has, in recent years, operated with “a very high standard of transparency, integrity, and impartiality.”
“These values are not aspirational slogans; they are embedded in our governance, our editorial processes, and our daily professional conduct,” he said.
Mr Duprés also referred to a recent leadership session, where the organisation reviewed its core values. He said contributions from managers and team leaders showed a clear commitment to maintaining ethical standards.
He warned that suggestions the Corporation is falling short in these areas would be unfair to staff and management.
“Any suggestion that legislative reform is needed because the Corporation is falling short in these areas does a disservice not only to the Board and Management, but also to the professionals across the SBC who discharge their responsibilities with dedication and professionalism every day,” he said.
Mr Duprés emphasised that the SBC’s role as an independent public broadcaster remains central to its mandate.
“The SBC’s role as an independent public broadcaster, accountable to the public and not to any political or sectional interest, is fundamental to our constitutional and statutory mandate,” he said.
He added that independence is essential for public trust and for the credibility of the Corporation’s journalism and programming.
According to Mr Duprés, any amendments to the SBC Act must strengthen, not weaken, this independence. He said changes must protect the Corporation’s ability to operate free from interference or intimidation. Additionally, the changes must keep it free from undue influence and remain aligned with the Constitution and the principles of the existing law.
He concluded by thanking staff for their professionalism and resilience, stating that their work helps maintain the SBC as an important national institution.