Thanks Grace,<div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="line-height: 18px; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; "><span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; ">The definition of ‘journalist’ is unsatisfactory; should it exclude bloggers and include reporters?</span></span></div>
<div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'Times New Roman', serif" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><br></span></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'Times New Roman', serif" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">IMHO, we should not debate about the definition of a journalist, this is a profession and has to be guided by the basic tenets of the profession, blogging is an emerging trend, one important output of this discourse should be to promote and protect the journalism profession and the Media as an industry so as to ensure it contributes to the vision and aspirations of this nation,, (Freedom of expression can easily result in verbal diarrhoea which is lethal for a nation, an element of institutionalised benevolent dictatorship is required ) i would have loved to see many journalists contribute to this debate since it shapes their industry and the nation in general , as ICT practitioners and legal experts we might only share opinions nonetheless, congratulations Grace for a great job</span></font><br>
<div class="gmail_quote">On Fri, Feb 4, 2011 at 12:00 AM, Grace Githaiga <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:ggithaiga@hotmail.com">ggithaiga@hotmail.com</a>></span> wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex;">
<div>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Dear Listers</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Today, we wrap up our debate on the Media Bill 2010. </span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">The last ten days have seen contributions on the various articles of the Bill, concerns have been raised and recommendations made. A big thank you to all who contributed and made this debate a success, and to those who read the contributions. </span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt"></span> </p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt"> A full report will be available after the validation workshop (date to be advised). In the meantime, here is a summary of issues.</span></p>
<div style="border-bottom:windowtext 1pt solid;border-left:medium none;padding-bottom:1pt;padding-left:0in;padding-right:0in;border-top:medium none;border-right:medium none;padding-top:0in">
<p style="border-bottom:medium none;border-left:medium none;padding-bottom:0in;margin:0in 0in 10pt;padding-left:0in;padding-right:0in;border-top:medium none;border-right:medium none;padding-top:0in" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt"></span></b> </p>
<p style="border-bottom:medium none;border-left:medium none;padding-bottom:0in;margin:0in 0in 10pt;padding-left:0in;padding-right:0in;border-top:medium none;border-right:medium none;padding-top:0in" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt"></span></b> </p>
<p style="border-bottom:medium none;border-left:medium none;padding-bottom:0in;margin:0in 0in 10pt;padding-left:0in;padding-right:0in;border-top:medium none;border-right:medium none;padding-top:0in" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">A SUMMARY OF AGREED ISSUES AND ISSUES ON WHICH THERE WAS NO CONSENSES IN THE PROPOSED MEDIA BILL 2010</span></b></p>
</div>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt"></span></u> </p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">AGREED ISSUES/PROVISIONS</span></u></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">MCK should be composed of diverse professionals and should contain persons with a wide range of expertise<u></u></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">There should be a minimum number of members in the MCK who are drawn from the media<u></u></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">There is need for the MCK to reflect gender parity</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">MCK members should prescribe to the leadership and integrity principles stated in Chapter 6 of the constitution</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">The position of chair in the MCK should not be exclusive to advocates as it will lead to exclusion of other professionals and should be open to all members of the MCK<u></u></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">The JSC should not be the body mandated with appointment of members of the MCK as this is outside the mandate of the JSC as prescribed by Article 172 of the Constitution</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">MCK should be independent from the government and the government should not have a say in who is appointed to the MCK</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">The Bill does not provide for appointment of the Chair; the chair should be elected by board members</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Article 7&10 of the Bill are duplicates of each other and should be merged</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">MCK members should only be appointed for a maximum of two terms</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Voting should be done by secret ballot</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">MCK should not be barred from receiving funds from foreign sources</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">The Chair of the Complaints Commission should not necessarily be an advocate</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">The MCK should appoint the chair of the Complaints Commission</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Complaints to the Complaints Commission should be judged against an established code of conduct to be adopted by the MCK</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt"> </span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">MCK’s Complaints Commission should consider looking at the operations of the Communications Tribunal in the ICT sector which handles the disputes and see what aspects can be borrowed.<span> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">2/3 of members of MCK should vote to remove a member referred to in Article 11(1)(c) and (e) of the bill Council members on this matter.</span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt"><span> </span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Link benefits of members to existing positions say in those of other commissions in Articles 12 and 26 on remuneration.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">In addition to producing an annual financial report, the Council should produce an annual report of its activities (article 23). </span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">The obligations in 36(1) be considered as part of a code of conduct, through further consultations with stakeholders.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">There is a contradiction between Clause 3 on Integrity and Clause 7 on Confidentiality in the Code of Conduct</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Clause 18 &19 of the Code of Conduct should reflect the principles enshrined in the Children’s Act and Sexual Offences Act.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 0.5in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">The MCK code of conduct should be a minimum standard to which all media enterprises and journalists must subscribe to.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt"><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></span></u></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 0.25in" class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">ISSUES ON WHICH THERE WAS NO CONSENSUS</span></u></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Is MCK best placed to perform the function of regulating media professionals?</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Will the proposed MCK enhance professionalism or merely curtail freedom of expression?</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Is there an overlap between the functions of MCK and BCAC?</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Is there a need for both MCK and BCAC?</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">The definition of media and media enterprise does not satisfactorily draw a distinction between the two</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">The definition of ‘journalist’ is unsatisfactory; should it exclude bloggers and include reporters?</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Consider Weblogs, social forums, as part of the new emerging media 'ecosystem' rather than in isolation.</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Should there be a minimum educational standard for journalists?</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Registration of journalists should be discouraged as it impedes freedom of expression</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Accreditation of journalists is not necessary save for special circumstances such as when there is a major media-worthy event as it impedes freedom of expression</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Should mass communication be the only qualification that would make someone eligible to be a journalist? What about a degree in Social Sciences?</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Does the requirement that a member of the MCK should have a distinguished career in the relevant fields enumerated in Section 7 lock out the youth from positions in the Council?</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">How should decisions of the MCK be published? Should publication in the gazette be mandatory?</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Should the Complaints Commission’s decisions have the force of High Court orders?</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Does the giving of an apology as one of the MCK’s sanctions infringe on the freedom of expression?</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">How will confidential sources (code of conduct) of information be protected?</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Should the MCK be the one charged with the mandate to set levies and fees that it would require journalists, media enterprises to pay to it?</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Is MCK able to enforce the Code of Conduct in such a way that media houses comply, and ordinary journalists practice without fear of the ownership?</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:Symbol;font-size:12pt"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Text for a transition clause. </span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt"></span> </p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">With Kind Regards</span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt"></span> </p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt 0.75in"><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:'Times New Roman','serif';font-size:12pt">Grace</span></p>
<u><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"></font></u> <br>
<font size="3" face="Times New Roman"></font> <br>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><br>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>If you have the strength to survive, you have the power to succeed. Life is all about choices we make depending upon the situation we are in. Go forth and rule the World!<br>
<br><br></p> </div>
<br>_______________________________________________<br>
kictanet mailing list<br>
<a href="mailto:kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke">kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke</a><br>
<a href="http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet" target="_blank">http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet</a><br>
<br>
This message was sent to: <a href="mailto:otieno.barrack@gmail.com">otieno.barrack@gmail.com</a><br>
Unsubscribe or change your options at <a href="http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail.com" target="_blank">http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail.com</a><br>
<br></blockquote></div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Barrack O. Otieno<div>Afriregister Ltd (Kenya)</div><div><a href="http://www.afriregister.com" target="_blank">www.afrire</a><a href="http://gister.bi" target="_blank">gister.bi</a>, <a href="http://www.afriergister.com" target="_blank">www.afriregister.com</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.afriregister.com" target="_blank"></a>ICANN accredited registrar<br>+254721325277</div><div>+254-20-2498789<br>Skype: barrack.otieno</div><br>
</div>