Media Setup

A Model Media SetupAccording to Media Policy Documents of the African Union (AU) and SADC: 

A Model Media Setup According to Media Policy Documents of the African Union (AU) and SADC Overriding Principles Broadcasting (incl. New Electronic Media) Print Media Professional Standards The Legal Framework The Institutional Setup The Reform Process Friedrich Ebert Foundation - Media Project Southern Africa

Overriding Principles:The Media Shall Be Free: 

Overriding Principles: The Media Shall Be Free State Parties shall take necessary measures to ensure the freedom and independence of the media. SADC Protocol on Culture, Information and Sport, Art. 20 Freedom of expression and information is a fundamental and inalienable human right and an indispensable component of democracy. 'Banjul Declaration' of the AU’s African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Broadcasting:Competition and Diversity: 

Broadcasting: Competition and Diversity State and government controlled broadcasters should be transformed into public service broadcasters, accountable to the public through the legislature rather than the government. The broadcast regulatory system shall encourage private and community broadcasting. 'Banjul Declaration' of the AU’s African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Public Broadcasting:Independent and Accountable: 

Public Broadcasting: Independent and Accountable (public broadcasters) should be governed by a board which is protected against interference … of a political or economic nature. The editorial independence … should be guaranteed. public service ambit … should … ensure that the public receive adequate, politically balanced information, particularly during election periods. 'Banjul Declaration' of the AU’s African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Private Broadcasting:Equity and Accessibility: 

Private Broadcasting: Equity and Accessibility There shall be equitable allocation of frequencies between private broadcasting uses, both commercial and community; Community broadcasting shall be promoted given its potential to broaden access by the poor and rural communities to the airwaves. 'Banjul Declaration'

Broadcasting Regulation:Separation of Power: 

Broadcasting Regulation: Separation of Power Creating a three-tier separation of power, with the Government responsible for a conducive national policy framework, independent regulators responsible for licensing, and a multiplicity of providers … responsible for services. SADC ICT Declaration All formal powers in … regulation should be exercised by public authorities which are protected against interference .. by .. an appointment process .. which is open, transparent, involves the participation of civil society and is not controlled by any political party. African Charter on Broadcasting

Print Media:The Best Act is No Act: 

Print Media: The Best Act is No Act No need for specific legislation Registration of private print media houses within the broader ambit of Company Act Avoidance of monopolies and undesirable cross ownership through wider competition legislation

Professional Standards:Code of Ethics: 

Professional Standards: Code of Ethics Effective self-regulation is the best system for promoting high standards in the media. 'Banjul Declaration' Press Council or Committee, established by media stakeholders themselves, upholds ethical and professional standards and deals with complaints, based on a Code of Ethics, agreed by the profession itself.

The Legal Framework (1):Constitutional Human Right: 

The Legal Framework (1): Constitutional Human Right Freedom of expression and information … is a fundamental and inalienable human right and an indispensable component of democracy. 'Banjul Declaration' These freedoms should therefore be enshrined in the constitution

The Legal Framework (2):Legislative Needs: 

The Legal Framework (2): Legislative Needs

Access to Information: 

Access to Information Public bodies hold information not for themselves but as custodians of the public good and everyone has a right to access to this information, subject only to clearly defined rules established by law. 'Banjul Declaration'

Independent Broadcasting Regulator: 

Independent Broadcasting Regulator To issue licenses to broadcasters, public commercial and community. To develop broadcasting policy, according to which license conditions are set. To monitor adherence with license conditions. To manage broadcasting frequency spectrum.

Public Broadcaster: 

Public Broadcaster Accountable to the public through the legislature rather than the government. Governed by a board protected against interference, particularly of a political or economic nature. Editorial independence be guaranteed. Adequately publicly funded. 'Banjul Declaration'

Institutional Setup: 

Institutional Setup Press Council

The Reform Process: 

The Reform Process Public Consultation is the key to acceptance and sustainable solutions