About the Commission

What Does the Commission Do? | What the Broadcasting Commission Does Not Do | Complaints

Functions of the Commission | Commissioners | Secretariat

What is the Commission?

The electronic media, broadcast radio and television, as well as subscriber television, have profound and wide-reaching effects on many aspects of the daily lives of Jamaicans. The Broadcasting Commission’s role is to monitor and regulate these industries, balancing the interests of consumers, the industries and the creative community in implementing public policy and law.

The 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.

Who is the Commission?

Members of the Commission are appointed by the Governor-General, after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Commissioners are appointed to serve for five years.

Commissioners meet monthly, or more regularly if necessary, to discuss and decide on matters relating to the Commission’s mandate.

The decisions of the Commission are carried out by a Secretariat, which is headed by an Executive Director.

The Commission's Vision and Mission

Vision

To be the cutting-edge regulator that leads in the development and advancement of a dynamic electronic communications sector for the benefit of Jamaica and the Caribbean Community.

Mission

To carry out the provisions of the Broadcasting and Radio Re-Diffusion Act;
To make and administer the Television and Sound Broadcasting Regulations;
To evaluate applications and make recommendations to the responsible Minister;
To monitor the transmission and operations of licensees.
To receive and investigate complaints;
To advise the government on policy;
To conduct and or commission research