Hi Grace, others, I find it a little bit difficult to answer this question in the abstract, as the stated purpose is very general. Promoting freedom of expression is fine and establishing the media council is in line with the constitution (although I have some concerns about this - see below). I find the reference to disciplining journalists problematical. The Constitution talks about setting and implementing standards. This is quite different from disciplining journalists (eg warning journalists of a breach of a code of conduct is not disciplining them - it is letting them know where the boundaries are). However, I have a wider concern about the constitutional provisions. I think it is unfortunate to provide in a constitution for the establishment of a statutory body that sets standards for the media as a whole. The ideal way to do this is through media self-regulatory bodies. Where the media is unable, at a certain point in time, to self-regulate, it might be legitimate to impose a statutory system. But once the media can self-regulate, this should be done away with. Elevating it to a constitutional rule makes this much more difficult. My other concern is with the specific modalities by which the Media Bill seeks to regulate the profession, including by regulating the Internet, by setting conditions on journalists, keep a register of journalists (ie register them), etc. But I suppose this is a discussion for another day. Toby Today's discussion: The purpose of the Media Council Bill: An Act of Parliament to provide for the realization of the right to freedom of expression and freedom of media; for the establishment of the Media Council of Kenya; for the conduct and discipline of journalists and the media, and for connected purposes. Article 33 of the Constitution provides for Freedom of Expression, while Article 34 provides for the freedom of Media. Further in Article 34, sub article 5, it states...Parliament shall enact legislation that provides for the establishment of a body which shall: a) be independent of control by government, political interests or commercial interests; b) reflect the sections of all sections of society; and c) set media standards and regulate and monitor compliance with those standards. We welcome responses/reflections to the following: 1. Is the purpose (as stated above) satisfactory, or should it be enhanced to reflect the provisions in the constitution? 2. Is this proposed Media Council best placed to perform and fulfill this purpose? 3. Will the proposed Media Council enhance professionalism and growth of media in Kenya? Rgds Grace ___________________________________ Toby Mendel Centre for Law and Democracy toby@law-democracy.org Tel: +1 902 431-3688 Fax: +1 902 431-3689 www.law-democracy.org