Hi all, I think that one very important point that the media forget is that right now they have a lot of liberty because we have had 5 years of good (if not great) governance. I believe all of us can remember the days when the media houses were so timid. Constantly shaking and shivering because they didn't know who the next "total" person would be that would sue them to their socks. I recall huge claims being made against them for reporting verbatim and factually something that actually happened but that reflected negatively against the formerly "total" people. Putting in place this law will create a level playing field, one that cannot be abused - no matter how "total" one feels (or is) You know as I reflect on this situation it's like with the constitution - the same people who voted "no" - immediately complained about the exercise of the power that the current constitution places in the executive - the same power that had been tempered and distributed in the draft constitution. I think that the important thing is that this Bill is before parliament - there is need to ensure that debate in the House centers on the merits of the bill - since we know that there is a strong lobby against it I think that it is necessary to prepare a submission paper that should go before the House Committee, highlighting any "problem" areas - but more importantly throughly illuminating the "positive" aspects of the bill. Regards, Brian On Jun 1, 2007, at 5:41 PM, bitange@jambo.co.ke wrote:
Dear All, If you read today's papers, you have everything to worry. It is being alledged that the ICT Bill is worse than the Media Bill and That Government did not consult. I know you all participated in many ICT fora discussing just what is being criticised. After the first reading we have another go at it but not to kill it at inception.
I need not tell anyone that this Bill will unlock the ICT potential in this country. Where were these people when you sacrificed your time to have a just legislation in place?
On Broadcasting, Kenya has one of the most liberal laws in place. We have tried to have a frequency in Britain, China, the USA on reciprical relations in vain. We toned down stakeholder's requirement on restrictive cross media ownership by adopting South Africa Model but these people want nothing but jungle laws in a democratic country.
Since you access internet, please check, there is no country in the world that does not have some sort of media regulation. In fact opponents of these Bills should be asked to name at least one country that has no regulation in media.
Regards
Ndemo.
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