A proposed new law governing the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) would give the President powers over key appointments.
The new Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Bill, 2026, is now available on the gazette.sc website.
Under the Bill, the President would appoint five members of the SBC Board. Those appointments would come from candidates proposed by a Select Committee.
The President would also appoint the three-member Select Committee. The committee would recommend candidates for Board appointments.
According to the Bill, the committee must submit at least seven names to the President. Candidates must have experience in fields including media, journalism, law, finance, education and administration.
However, the Bill also states that the President may appoint members “according to his or her choice”. That provision would apply if the committee fails to submit the required seven candidates.
The proposed law would also give the President powers to appoint the Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Both appointments would come from candidates who applied to the Board for the positions.
The CEO would oversee the Corporation’s daily operations. The CEO would also implement decisions taken by the Board.
The proposed Board would consist of 11 members. The Board would include representatives from the Seychelles Media Commission and civil society organisations.It would also include a representative nominated by SBC staff. The CEO and Deputy CEO would sit on the Board as ex officio members. However, they would not have voting rights.
The Bill also places restrictions on Board appointments. Members of the National Assembly would not qualify for appointment. Executive members of political parties would also be excluded. Private media owners and recent SBC employees would also not qualify.
At the same time, the Bill states that the Corporation must remain free from political control. It says the Corporation “shall not be subject to the direction or control” of political authorities.
The proposed law also prohibits government officials and ministers from influencing editorial decisions. Any interference with editorial independence would become a criminal offence. The offence would carry a fine of up to SCR300,000.
The Bill also requires the Corporation to adopt an Editorial Charter.The charter would cover impartiality, accuracy, fairness and fact-checking standards.
It would also include provisions on misinformation and disinformation.
The proposed legislation would repeal the current Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Act. It would replace the law with a new governance framework for public broadcasting.
The Bill is expected to be debated in the National Assembly.