International Freedom of Expression Exchange: The global network for free expression
17 February 2010
New media council lacks transparency
Journaliste en Danger (JED) has praise as well as concerns for a new media law passed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 31 December 2009.
The law covers the "composition, powers, organisation and functioning" of the broadcasting and communication council (Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel et de la communication, CSAC).The entire text of the law was read aloud on national radio on 2 January 2010 by an advisor to the President.
The law plays an important role in media regulation, says JED, calling it a "citizens' institution supporting democracy." JED has lauded the fact that the law "confers on the council the neutrality, impartiality and authority needed to ensure its role as a regulator of the Congolese media." However, creating a council with members who will be transparent and respectful of important legal provisions is still a challenge. The democratic strength of the council will depend on the people leading it.
JED is concerned about the "vagueness and delaying tactics" surrounding the process of establishing a council. Representatives on the council should be selected in full transparency and with consideration for their "expertise and national representation." In addition, in violation of the public's right to information, the law has still not been released into the public domain. "There is no trace of the law at the president's office, nor on the president's website, nor at the office of the official Gazette."
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