28 S.C. 128\02 directives are required to be gazetted “as soon as practicable after giving the direction”. As a licensing authority, ABA can, in terms of Part 4 section 36(2), get “specific directions from the Minister for the purpose of a determination (on licensing).” The Australian Act is more stringent on licensing international broadcasters than the Zimbabwean Act. In terms of Part 8B and section 121, ABA is required to refer all applicants for international broadcasting licence to the Minister of Foreign Affairs who must determine the suitability of the applicant in relation to the Australian national interest and compliance with international broadcasting guidelines. Thus section 121 FD specifically provides that:- (1) If – (a) an application for an international broadcasting licence is referred to the Minister for Foreign Affairs under subsection 121FB(1) or (5); and (b) the Minister for Foreign Affairs is of the opinion that the proposed international broadcasting service concerned is likely to be contrary to Australia’s national interest; the Minister for Foreign Affairs may, by written notice given to the ABA, direct the ABA not to allocate an international broadcasting licence to the applicant. In terms of content, Part 7 section 113 of the Australian Act, allows the Minister to specify through a Government Gazette “an event, or events of a kind, the televising of which should, in the opinion of the Minister, be available to the general public.” This provision is strikingly similar to section 11 of the Zimbabwean Act.

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