Truth and consequences
Journalists fear a draconian proposed media law will hinder their ability to do their jobs as well as compromise their safety
The bill is called the Protection of Media Rights and Freedom and the Promotion of Ethics and Professional Standards Bill, and it has courted controversy and inspired debate since it was proposed by the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA).
The points of concern range from the definition of “media” and the compulsory registration of media workers to the much-criticised National Media Profession Council.
The draft bill presented by the NRSA won’t just apply to conventional media outlets. It extends to every part-time internet blogger, podcaster or avid social media user with a significant following. So if you like airing your views online, from your everyday hurdles to politics and culture, you’re likely to be categorised as a “journalist”.
At a time when anyone and everyone can be in the media, the proposal has sparked outrage among freedom of expression advocates, as well as professional journalists, many of whom view it as government interference.
Initially, the NRSA planned for every single media worker to register with state agencies — and obtain a license — or face penalties that can go up to prison sentences. Although this clause has been scrapped since and replaced with an obligation to obtain a “certificate”, the draft bill still contains its fair share of thorny issues, its detractors say.
Meanwhile the bill also proposed to set up a 15-member National Media Profession Council, which would include government agents — namely, the permanent secretaries of the Prime Minister’s Office and Culture Ministry — during a transitional five-year period.
While the bill is now at the National Legislative Assembly and will undergo a public hearing, LIFE gauges the temperature by talking to three journalists from diverse platforms and roles. We asked them about their views on the bill and the consequences they believe will follow — both for media professionals and media consumers. At the end of the day, we are after all the recipients of media channels’ reports.