64 No. 37261 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 24 JANUARY 2014 Given the recent history of challenges at a Board level, it is important to discuss and review whether or not this process does ensure that the best candidates are appointed. Such a review of the appointment process is not about casting aspersions on the structures involved but a genuine attempt to analyse if the system can meet the desired outcomes. It must also be highlighted that given the role of political parties in the appointment process via Parliament, the process does not ensure that the process is free from party-political influences. In reviewing the appointment processes, the role and functions of the Board must also be looked at to ensure that this process best assists in fulfilling these - and to consider how those appointed are held to account. 8.8 Commercial Broadcasting The licensing framework for different services is aimed at promoting fair competition while ensuring diversity of ownership and content. As highlighted, though they are privately owned and funded, the policy and legislative framework emphasise that commercial radio and television services also have to meet defined public interest objectives, such as airing South African music and television content. It is important in a policy review process to examine each of the commercial broadcasting sectors separately, as well as consider how they impact on each other. The possible impact of convergence and digitisation in future must also be considered. 8.8.1 Commercial Television There is one privately owned national terrestrial free to air television broadcaster licensed currently (e.tv). E.tv (like SABC) will have the capacity to air more channels with the migration to DTT. ICASA has also indicated that it will be considering when to licence new terrestrial FTA private players after the digital migration process has commenced. Two new satellite FTA services were launched in 2013 (Open View and Free Vision). E.tv has to air a minimum of 45% South African content rather than the minimum regulatory requirement of 35%. The channel first broke even in 2004 - five years after its launch. It is now the third largest service in terms of audience (with a viewership of close to 69% of adult South Africans). As noted previously, the introduction of DTT will increase the potential number of channels on air operated by either existing and/or new licensees - and therefore potentially the capacity to meet key public interest programming objectives. At the same time though, the increase in the number of channels will result in an increase in competition for audiences, advertising revenues, sponsorships and programming. This competition, in the absence of the corresponding growth in advertising revenues, will limit investments in South African content production by free-to-air broadcasters. At the same time these broadcasters will face increased competition from content services that are currently not regulated as broadcasters. 60 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za