Head of the SCD Department Neville York welcomed the organizational representatives and gave a short introduction.
Participants were given the opportunity as well to send in their comments and questions regarding the proposed legislation...
York said that the media is an important part of the functioning of society as a whole; as such it is key in maintaining a healthy, strong a vibrant democracy.
During the meeting, the initial discussion centered on the media council, which is to be tasked with:
- promoting fairness, accuracy, accountability and journalistic integrity in the content and presentation of media coverage, including news reports, comments, articles and pictures, through the creation of an independent Media Council; and
- Establishing standards/codes of conduct for the media and a mechanism for dealing with complaints of breach of those standards/codes.
York said that in some weeks the media policy and advertising policy will be translated, and a next meeting will be scheduled to have a short presentation and to discuss these policies in detail.
York in a comment after the meeting explained the power and influence of the Media Council and by extension the media through the code of conduct and its self regulatory function. The media plays a very important and constructive role by educating, entertaining, influencing the community and society. It could further help build bridges through awareness and understanding by promoting love, care, unity, closeness and togetherness between communities and all people. This is extremely vital for a good system and progress and prosperity of any democratic country.
Other topics include the code of ethics for the media, media policies in different countries, off-limit topics to cover, among different topics.