[kictanet] Media council Draft bill 2010 (Day one discussion)

[McTim]

hi,

On Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 1:29 PM,  <toby at law-democracy.org> wrote:
>
> Hi Grace, others,
>
> I find it a little bit difficult to answer this question in the abstract,
> as the stated purpose is very general. Promoting freedom of expression is
> fine and establishing the media council is in line with the constitution
> (although I have some concerns about this - see below). I find the
> reference to disciplining journalists problematical.

Agreed.

 The Constitution
> talks about setting and implementing standards. This is quite different
> from disciplining journalists (eg warning journalists of a breach of a
> code of conduct is not disciplining them - it is letting them know where
> the boundaries are).

Aren't there laws that do that sort of thing (libel and slander, etc).

I see no need for a "Media Council" at all.  It can only lead to censorship.

<snip>

> b) reflect the sections of all sections of society; and
> c) set media standards and regulate and monitor compliance with those
> standards.
>
> We welcome responses/reflections to the following:
>
> 1.      Is the purpose (as stated above) satisfactory, or should it be
> enhanced to reflect the provisions in the constitution?

I can't parse this, sorry.


> 2.      Is this proposed Media Council best placed to perform and fulfill
> this purpose?

no
> 3.      Will the proposed Media Council enhance professionalism and growth
> of media in Kenya?

no



>
> Rgds
> Grace
>
> ___________________________________
> Toby Mendel
>
> Centre for Law and Democracy
> toby at law-democracy.org
> Tel:  +1 902 431-3688
> Fax: +1 902 431-3689
> www.law-democracy.org
>
>
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-- 
Cheers,

McTim
"A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A
route indicates how we get there."  Jon Postel