Press & govt: debate still going strong

There have been many ‘developments’ in the press-govt relations these few days. The PM has heavily criticised the press and used quotes with allusion to prostitutes in his rantings against journalists.

This has of course spurred the profession to write even more articles about the threats that are hanging upon the heads of reporters, to organise debates on radio (of course nothing from MBC). The latest show I heard was yesterday on Radio One with Jean-Claude de L’Estrac (boss of L’Express) and minister Vasant Bunwaree. Apparently TopFM had also invited minister Rama Valayden and journalists Nad Sivaramen and Henri Marimootoo but I missed it.

Whereas Rama Valayden has denied the existence of a draft of the Media Commission Bill in an interview in Le Defi Plus, Vasant Bunwaree confirmed that the government is actively working on the project on Radio One. Which is which?

The blog is now officially here

At last, I have moved my weblog to noulakaz. The transition is slow as I am learning to use WordPress. The main reason for moving from Blogger is the possibility of having permanent pages and increased control over the site’s content. But I’m still learning so it might take some time before things really settle down…

Towards the creation of an association of journalists?

It is now confirmed that some 60 journalists have met to discuss the ways and means of forming an association. According to yesterday’s issue of Le Mauricien (L’express has also published the news), they met on Wednesday and it was Nad Sivaramen and Sedley Assone who started it all.

I’m glad the idea is taking shape and more so to see that even the chief editors of the two rivals L’express and Le Mauricien attended the meeting. Gilbert Ahnee in fact devoted his editorial to that meeting, expressing his appreciation of the initiative (as well as his qualms about how to go about it and the obstacles they may meet). He also mentioned the creation of a mailing list/forum and a blog.

Soho, let’s wait and see whether any common ground can be found. Good luck.

Update – Radio One show on 27th July

It’s been some time since I last posted on this blog. There are multiple reasons for this: I had to finish a consultancy report, the kids and us were on holiday for a week, and I guess I had sort of disconnected / plugged out…

I however want to report on a radio show I was invited to on R1 on Thursday 27th July. The show is called ‘Controverses’ and was hosted by Francoise Marechal-Charlotte. The programme was devoted to the local media, more specifically to the Media Trust. The other guests were journalists Henri Marimootoo and Sedley Assone.

Death of the Media Trust?
The starting point for the discussion was the alleged programmed death of the Media Trust, which still has no chairman as the PM has not yet designated one though the media reps had already been elected in January. This has handicapped the Media Trust Board which cannot operate as usual.

This lack of decision by the PM together with the announced proposal of a Media Commission Bill is prompting journalists to say that the govt wants to punish the press and drastically restrict its freedom.

As an external observer, I analysed this as a strategy of govt to frighten the press. As I pointed out in an earlier post, this seems to be working to some extent as some journalists are sometimes unduly overcautious in reporting even official speeches and parliamentary questions.

I don’t know what will be the content of the Media Commission Bill (if there is one) but definitely, we will have to be careful that it does not stifle the press (though some regulating would be desirable, specially to protect the interests of ordinary citizens).

Self-regulation not control
However I truly think that it is high time for the press to show its goodwill (and thereby avoid the ‘necessity’ of imposed control from above) by creating its own association or institution to discuss and establish codes of conduct, provide mechanisms for handling complaints and ensure redress and also incidentally raise funds for training programmes. Self-regulation is always better than imposed laws.

I also pointed out that the Media Trust is currently receiving only some 2 million rupees annually from govt, basically to fund seminars and training of journalists. Surely, if the Media Trust were really to die, that would not be the end of journalism in Mauritius.

The need for common ground
The problem is that journalists of the local press itself have not been able to communicate amongst themselves (ironic, isn’t it?). Though diversity of approaches and beliefs is certainly desirable to provide a large array of choices on the market (and thus ensure multiple voices are heard), some common ground has got to be found to ensure freedom of speech that is also respectful of all.

I heard recently that some journalists have met to discuss the creation of an association. Could it be that my suggestions have been heard? I hope the initiative is a serious and solid one…