New IBA Leadership Takes Charge for 3-Year Term to Overhaul National Broadcasting

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), Mauritius’s audiovisual regulator, has entered a new era with the appointment of barrister Ashvin Lukeeram as its Chairperson for a three-year term.

Mr Lukeeram, a member of Gavin Glover’s legal chambers and brother to MP Kevin Lukeeram, succeeds Bhooneswar Rajkumarsingh.

The appointment, made in accordance with statutory requirements, comes as the Alliance du Changement government moves to fulfil a key pledge: the introduction of private television to the island.

A Strategic Overhaul

The leadership change marks the beginning of a strategic cycle for a sector undergoing rapid transformation.

The new board is tasked with navigating technological challenges and meeting growing demands for transparency.

The first meeting of the newly constituted board is scheduled for tomorrow, Monday. Its core mandate includes:

• Enforcing broadcasting standards.
• Issuing audiovisual licences.
• Promoting diversity and ethical content across the media landscape.

A High-Profile Board

The board comprises a mix of senior civil servants and experts. Key members include:

• Soondaree Devi Soborun: Acting Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office.
• Tassarajen Pillay Chedumbrum: ICTA Chairperson and former Technology Minister.
• Rajeshsharma Ramloll: Solicitor General.
• Nalini Brinda Vanessa Payneeandy: Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Arts and Culture.
• Jatin Dindoyal: Principal Information Officer at the Government Information Service.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has appointed five representatives to provide specialised expertise, including media academic Yasine Mohabuth, technology specialist Bishan Kumar Madhoo, and marketing professional Oliver Patrick.

Context of Change

This restructuring follows a decade of MSM governance, a period shadowed by controversies such as the appointment of a deputy director not provided for by law.

Industry stakeholders are now calling for a modernised leadership vision to steer the sector through its current evolution.

With the prospect of private television on the horizon, the IBA’s role in ensuring fair regulation and innovation will be under significant scrutiny.

Source: Le Mauricien