The Broadcasting 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.

The Commission monitors and regulates the electronic media, through administering the applications and evaluation process by which services become licensed; ensuring that licensees operate within standards for service; policy advice; and research relating to the regulatory industry.

The procedure for applying for Broadcast and STV Licences is outlined on the Commission’s website in our Applications Section. For Applications Section click here.

No.  The Commission does not interfere with the rates set by individual cable operators.  Each operator sets a rate based on the costs incurred to provide the particular service offered.

 

No.  The Commission’s remit does not yet extend to regulation of the World Wide Web and its use in Jamaica. In fact currently, the Internet is not regulated in Jamaica.

No.  The Commission makes clear to electronic media licensees the requirements in law as it relates to “fit for airplay” content.  This is primarily based on the Television and Sound Broadcasting Regulations and the Children’s Code for programming. It is the licensee’s responsibility to ensure only content which meets the specifications in the Regulations and the Code is broadcast.