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All existing laws pertaining to the Media vis-à-vis the Constitution and the Public Order Act, and the Media Code of Ethics and professional standards will be incorporated into a separate Media Promulgation. Cabinet endorsed the formulation of the Media Promulgation following a submission by the Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. The Prime Minister explained that currently, all laws pertaining to the Media, its freedoms and restrictions and professional standards and Code of Ethics, need to be consolidated. “Incorporating these existing provisions into one statute would inter alia ensure easy access, understanding, transparency and reduce anomalies.” He further stated that the proposed Promulgation will also establish an independent tribunal to hear appeals on complaints lodged with the Media Council. “The Tribunal is to be headed by an independent judge who shall be appointed by the Judicial Services Commission. “It is envisaged that the independent tribunal will also have the ability to impose fines on companies, editors and publishers should they be found to be in breach of the provisions of the proposed promulgation”. The Prime Minister said that the Media Council and other stakeholders shall also be consulted in the formulation of the promulgation. “It is proposed that the Tribunal should have the ability to also award compensation to aggrieved complainants”. The Prime Minister emphasized that the Government was conscious of the public’s right to accurate and factual information. He also stated that Government will not pursue the Qarase Government approach of licensing media outlets. He said that the Media must remain free within the existing confines of the law and not controlled by Government. Once formulated, the Promulgation will be brought to Cabinet for approval. -Ends- No:1114 |
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