(IPYS/IFEX) – On 20 June 2002, on the last day of the Congress’ ordinary sessions, the House of Representatives approved Bill 030 in a plenary session. The bill builds on Article 73 of the Constitution and is aimed at “regulating the practice of journalism”. The bill differentiates between journalists who have a university degree and […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 20 June 2002, on the last day of the Congress’ ordinary sessions, the House of Representatives approved Bill 030 in a plenary session. The bill builds on Article 73 of the Constitution and is aimed at “regulating the practice of journalism”.
The bill differentiates between journalists who have a university degree and those who do not. As such, it would force public and private media to ensure that their “regular services” are carried out by accredited journalists.
The bill also proposes the creation of a National Journalism Council (Consejo Nacional de Periodismo), an organisation that would be responsible for “issuing certificates to those qualified to work as journalists”. The council would also be required to draw up “norms on professional ethics for the media”.
Furthermore, the bill would allow for financial compensation in cases where a correction is not made after the publication of erroneous news. The journalist responsible for the news item would pay the fine, along with the medium in question.
The approved bill incorporates suggestions brought forth by Members of Congress Carlos Ramos Maldonado and Omar Armando Baquero. Members of Congress Jorge Humberto Matilla, Boris de Jesús Polo and Marino Paz Ospina supported the bill while Member of Congress Maria Isabel Mejía Marulanda opposed it.
In Colombia, for a bill to be signed into law by the president, it has to be first approved by the appointed committee and by the House of Representatives in a plenary session. Subsequently, the bill is put through a similar process in the Senate. Having passed through the first stage, Bill 030 will now be brought before the Senate for review.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the Senate:
– expressing concern over the bill, while keeping in mind that Congress is currently not in session and the newly elected Congress will not be sitting until 20 July
Appeals To
Senate of the Republic of Colombia
Presidencia
Edificio del Congreso Nuevo
Capitolio Nacional Cra 7 Cl 8 y 9
Bogotá, Colombia
Tel: +57 1 336 6565
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.