The draft National Broadcasting Policy, adopted by the cabinet, contains draconian provisions which are not consistent with a free and independent media.
It muddles statements of good intent such as protecting “the unity and solidarity of the country” with highly restrictive and ill thought through regulations.
Free speech can only be undermined by a policy which seeks to restrict “programs that satirise national ideals,” or that does not allow any news or programmes which hamper “relations with friendly nations.” The practicalities of fairly defining such issues also makes such directives unworkable.
The government must pay heed to the objections raised by experienced journalists and revise the proposed policy so that it cannot be misused to undermine freedom of expression.
It is one thing for a code of practice to assert that “misleading and untrue information” should not be given on news programs, but it is undemocratic to seek to control and regulate what such programs can or cannot say.
Some of the proposed provisions also appear unnecessary as they address problems which do not exist. We are not aware for instance of any advertisements which “demean or ridicule the armed forces.”
In any case, we believe a free and open media provides the best means of protection against such concerns, by providing platforms for opposing viewpoints to be addressed.
The policy also contains proposals on the content of advertisements. For the most part these would appear to be addressed by industry self-regulation.
We call on the government to urgently undertake an impartial review of the policy’s myriad provisions.
It should appoint an independent committee of non-partisan professionals and senior members of the judiciary to consult with the public to agree on principles on which a workable broadcasting code of practice can be based.
