[kictanet] Day 2 of 10:-KCA 2008-Broadcasting-The Bad

[John Walubengo]

Looks like Day 1 on the good aspect of the Broadcasting Section was too quiet. I am not sure if that is because there is nothing good about it or maybe fatigue has just kicked in.

Either way, today we want to review the so called bad aspects. They have been in the press/public domain for the last 4weeks but here is my take of the top three. 

1. that the retained 'draconian' clause 88 gives unrestricted powers to the two ministers (Internal Security and Information Ministers) and their regulatory (CCK) appointees. These Powers enable them to declare an emergency and raid media houses. The beef is that these powers are likely to be abused particularly because of the heavy Govt composition of the Regulatory Authorities who would likely serve their appointing authority (Executive) rather than the common good (Public)


2. that the Content Regulation (Programming Code) aspects is also flawed in that it is ONLY the Information Minister and his appointees who  can decide what is prohibited and what is not, what should go on air and at what time.

3. that a Signal Distribution Monopoly would be enforced given that current broadcasters would need to channel their transmission through a licensed signal distributor i.e. dismantle their current distribution infrastructure in the likely event that they are not the designated signal distributor.

Any more? Feel free to clarify as well where I may have errored in the interpretation. Tomorrow we shall look at the proposed interventions once we are agreed on the problems/issues.

walu.