The Public Media Alliance (PMA) has raised concerns about a proposed law that would reform the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC).
PMA outlined its concerns in a statement issued on 5 June. The organisation said the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Bill contains provisions that support editorial independence. However, it warned that other proposals could place the broadcaster’s independence at risk.
The government gazetted the bill recently. The legislation seeks to establish “a modern, independent, editorially autonomous, and financially sustainable public broadcasting institution.” It also aims to serve the democratic, cultural, social and educational needs of Seychelles in the digital age.
PMA said it shares concerns raised by the SBC board. The board stated that the bill “could weaken the institutional independence” of the broadcaster.
According to PMA, the current SBC Amendment Act 2017 provides for a 12-member board. The structure includes a chairperson, vice-chairperson and seven other members. The chief executive officer, deputy chief executive officer and a staff representative serve as ex officio members. They do not hold voting rights.
The proposed legislation would reduce the board to 11 members. The President would appoint five members. A three-person select committee would recommend candidates. The President would also appoint that committee.
The committee would recommend candidates for chairperson and vice-chairperson.
The bill would also change the executive appointment process. The President would appoint the CEO and deputy CEO. The board would first interview candidates and submit recommendations.
PMA said it supports several principles for public service media governance. The organisation stated that political appointments are “not inherently negative” in a democratic society. However, it said governments should keep such appointments in the minority. It also said independent vetting helps reduce political interference.
PMA said board diversity strengthens legitimacy. The organisation added that diversity reduces the risk of one interest dominating decision-making.
PMA also said boards should appoint executives. According to the organisation, this approach creates distance between government and broadcaster management.
PMA argued that the proposed reforms would remove safeguards that have protected the SBC from political pressure.
The organisation questioned the decision to replace the Constitutional Appointments Authority (CAA). The bill would replace it with a select committee appointed by the President.
PMA said the change raises questions about the independence of the appointment process. It also raises questions about the suitability of selected candidates.
The organisation noted that presidential appointees would hold a majority on the board. The CEO and deputy CEO would not hold voting rights.
PMA also expressed concern about executive appointments. The organisation said the bill would give the President sole authority to appoint the CEO and deputy CEO.
PMA pointed to Article 168 of the Seychelles Constitution. The article guarantees the SBC’s managerial and operational independence.
The organisation said the proposed bill does not uphold that guarantee. According to PMA, the bill would give the government too much control over SBC management. It said that control would extend to both board and executive levels.
PMA said institutional independence remains essential. The organisation argued that audiences must trust public service media as editorially independent organisations.
PMA also raised concerns about funding arrangements.
The organisation noted that the SBC would receive funding through “moneys appropriated, from time to time, by the National Assembly.”
PMA said the bill does not require guaranteed funding. The organisation warned that those in power could use funding as leverage against the broadcaster’s financial position and sustainability.
PMA also highlighted another proposed change. The bill would remove a provision that allows the SBC to spend funds at its discretion while carrying out its functions.
The organisation said greater control over spending could affect services. It also warned that the change could affect the SBC’s ability to operate independently.
PMA said funding mechanisms should provide sustainable revenues. The organisation added that funding systems should also protect independence.
The organisation argued that governments should not use funding systems to pressure public media organisations. It also said funding systems should not compromise the watchdog role of public media.
PMA questioned the consultation process surrounding the bill.The organisation said that, to the best of its knowledge, authorities did not conduct external consultations. PMA said key stakeholders did not participate in the process.
The organisation identified the SBC, the Media Commission, civil society organisations and audiences as key stakeholders.
Despite its concerns, PMA welcomed several provisions in the bill.
The organisation highlighted the bill’s editorial charter. The charter affirms impartiality, accuracy, fairness and balance. It also addresses misinformation and disinformation.
PMA also welcomed measures aimed at digital transformation. These include an artificial intelligence policy, a digital strategy and universal access requirements.
However, PMA said these measures do not outweigh its concerns. The organisation pointed to governance, financial autonomy and sustainability.
PMA also warned of broader repercussions. The organisation said the bill could affect Seychelles’ reputation for press freedom.
PMA referred to constitutional protections for press freedom. It also referred to Seychelles’ membership of the Media Freedom Coalition. In addition, it cited the country’s ranking in the 2026 RSF World Press Freedom Index.
The organisation also said the bill could affect public confidence in news media. PMA referred to the role of media institutions in holding authorities to account.
PMA called for consultation with stakeholders and experts. The organisation said consultation could improve the bill. It also said consultation could strengthen the SBC’s independence. Furthermore, it could support the future development of public service media in Seychelles.