Media bill back on Kagame’s table

PARLIAMENT - The four amendments to the media bill that were proposed by President Paul Kagame have been passed by Senate and now the bill awaits to be signed into law by the head of state. The bill that was earlier on approved by the lower chamber was passed in the presence of Information Minister Louise Mushikiwabo who presented the proposed amendments. The bill had earlier on faced criticism from media practitioners for some controversial clauses that the press said undermined the integrity of their profession. “I am happy with the bill. It will serve the purpose since it is balanced and brings clarity in the profession,” Mushikiwabo told reporters shortly after the session. She added; “I have high hopes that it will come into force in the quickest time possible.” For the second time, the bill will return to the President office to assent it into lawS. The amendments in the new bill now include article 2, paragraph 7, which gives the green light to practicing scribes to continue the trade without necessarily having studied communication or journalism as it had been proposed in the earlier bill. The article however sets a condition that the practicing journalist should possess at least a diploma from a recognized institution. Article 13, paragraph 1 which required journalists to get prior official permission to publish any information was amended to allow them to collect and disseminate information freely and seek permission only when using copyright material. The President had criticized the clause saying it was redundant and called for rephrasing or omitting it altogether. The change means media practitioners will nurture and enhance investigative journalism in the country. Also amended is Article 88 which stated that a journalist will be held legally responsible for any story. Now if a print journalist commits an error, the chief editor will be responsible while in the electronic media, the reporter or presenter shall be held accountable for the mistake and later on the line editors. The amended bill also puts in place a five-year transitional period to allow practicing journalists who do not meet the requirements of the law to upgrade their academic status. Ends

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Media bill back on Kagame’s table