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The
media, with its pervasive power, is important as a player in
promoting and maintaining democracy that it has been recognized
as the “fourth estate. It is therefore critical that it
remains free to operate in a manner that maximizes its contribution
to development and an open society. Swaziland
, therefore, faces the major challenge of engendering an environment
that allows the transformation of the media from being either a
state lapdog or a perpetuator |
|
of
scandal and sensation, either of which discredits it to its consumers
and do a disservice to
the public and the profession. The following are some of the most pertinent issues that MISA Swaziland strives to engage in order to redeem the already damaged image of media practice: 1. Absence of a legal Framework that Guarantees Freedom of Expression, Media freedom and the Right to Access Information. The new constitution contains the Bill of Rights and guarantees freedom of expression and the media. But the plethora of media unfriendly laws that exist within the statute books will continue to make the environment hostile for media practice. The continued existence of these laws, that not only inhibit the plurality of the media but also its independence, will stifle the media, and journalists will, while these laws obtain, operate in a risky environment. There is a great need to call for reform and repeal of laws. There is also concern that the articulation of the right to freedom of expression in the Constitution is incomplete as it does not include the right to access information and that the limitation of this right is very broad such that it may allow limitations even in circumstances where such limitations are not justified. MISA-Swaziland is keen in working with other stakeholders in addressing this challenge to help lay a firm foundation for media freedom environment. 1. The Need to Transform State Media (Radio and Television) for Public Service The State continues to have total control and monopoly in this industry and the airwaves remain the domain of the government. Those who dare challenge the status quo are deprived access to the state-owned media, yet this institution should be transformed to become public entities. MISA-Swaziland continues to drive campaigns earmarked for broadcasting reforms and is engaged in campaigning for the three-tier broadcasting strategy and initiative that will lead to diversity and pluralism. 1. The Absence of a Self-Regulatory Mechanism: Exposing the Media to Unjustified Attacks The government has used the absence of a regulatory mechanism for the media as justification to accuse the media of a variety of allegedly unethical and unprofessional conduct in performing their duties. At some point government attempted to impose a Media Council Bill which would have severely curtailed the media's freedom. That initiative failed but since then, various members of government, including Ministers and Members of parliament as well as traditional authorities have launched scathing attacks on the media. It is, therefore, a challenge for the media in Swaziland to ensure that such a mechanism is put in place so as to avoid unjustified incursions by government seeking to muzzle the media citing reasons such as irresponsible reporting, threats to national security, invasion of privacy, and forcing, as has already occurred the revelation of sources by journalists. It is evident that there still remains a need for large-scale awareness-raising campaigns about the nature, purpose and operations of this proposed structure for both the public and media practitioners. MISA Swaziland has been involved in the initiatives to establish a self-regulatory mechanism for the media and will continue to ensure that the momentum is maintained by all the stakeholders involved. Read more |
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© 2008
Media Institute of Southern Africa : promoting media diversity
. pluralism . self-sufficiency . independence.
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