President Jacob Zuma has appointed three members to the Media Development and Diversity Agency board, says his office.

They are Louise Carole Vale, Nadia Bulbulia and Phelisa Nkomo.

A presidency statement said they were appointed in terms of Section 8 (2) of the Media Development and Diversity Agency Act, following recommendations from the National Assembly.

The agency is tasked with enabling "historically disadvantaged communities and persons not adequately served by the media" to gain access to the media.

It was set up by an Act of Parliament.

"President Zuma especially thanked the sterling work and outstanding service to the board of the three outgoing members whose terms of office expired on the 31st of December 2010," the statement said.

They are Guy Berger, Siviwe Minyi and Nomonde Gongxeka.

The three new members were appointed for a three-year term, ending in 2014.