Functions of Authority

(1) The functions of the Authority are, 7 (a) to advise the Minister on any matter within its knowledge or in respect of which the Minister seeks advice; (b) to advise the Minister regarding the terms and conditions subject to which licences to which this Act relates are to be issued; (c) to obtain from any licensee such information as may be prescribed relating to the operations and programmes run by that (d) to ensure that the services provided by radio stations and television stations are in accordance with plans prepared by the Authority and approved by the Minister; (e) to ensure that, (i) the technical equipment in use at radio stations and television stations is maintained by the operators of those stations in accordance with such standards and practices as the Board considers appropriate; (ii) the operations at radio stations and television stations are carried out in compliance with such standards and practices as the Board considers appropriate; (iii) the terms and conditions of licences are complied with; (f) to institute legal proceedings in any court of law on any matter relating to the proper management and regulation of radio and 8 television in Belize and for this purpose it shall be deemed a Public Authority within the meaning of section 2 of the Public Authorities Protection Act, Cap. 31; (g) to perform such other functions in relation to radio and television stations as may be prescribed. (2) The Authority may determine, (a) the hours during which programmes may be broadcast or televised; (b) the conditions subject to which advertisements may be broadcast or televised by licensees; and (c) the types of programmes which may be broadcast or televised and the use of certain programmes of an educational, cultural, sporting or scientific nature or such programmes as the Authority may reasonably require in the public interest at such time or times as may be prescribed. (3) The Authority may, in exercising its functions under this section, consult with the operators of radio and television stations.