27 Jul 2022

Legislators have submitted their views on the Media Practitioners’ Association Bill 2022 (Bill No. 8 of 2022), which was tabled by Minister for State President, Mr Kabo Morwaeng for the second reading on Tuesday July 26.

The bill advocates for self-regulation of the media through the establishment of the media practitioners’ association, media practioners’ board, complaints and disciplinary committee and appeals committee to oversee and adjudicate on issues affecting the media.

Lobatse MP, Dr Thapelo Matsheka supported the bill, noting that it promoted self-regulation of the media as a cornerstone of the country’s democratic system. 

He said media experts were in a better position to overlook the operations of the profession, and that the bill would give them the power to regulate and take action in case of violation of provisions.

“It is important for them to self-regulate to ensure that they protect their media related to their profession. I agree with self-regulation because it is a very important expression,” he said.

However, he said contrary to some suggestions, he was against government funding for the association. 

He said as a self-regulating body, they should be truly independent in their own affairs to avoid influence or interference of third parties. 

He also noted that the establishment of the association would clearly define media practitioners who would be eligible to be regulated.

Shashe West MP, Mr Fidelis Molao also supported the bill, saying it would r enhance media freedom in the country. 

However, he underscored the need to uphold responsible reporting to avoid incidents of hate news as experienced in some countries. 

He said the bill should also incorporate new and emerging issues such as online and social media reporting, and provide clarity on which media would be governed by the provisions of the law.

He also said there was need for adequate training for media practitioners to protect the rights of citizens. 

“The employers of media practitioners should not just pick anybody and take them under their employ, they should pick people and provide proper training for such people so that they understand the media ethics,” he said.

Supporting the bill, Mahalapye East MP, Mr Yandani Boko said it was a step in the right direction in protecting the media and enabling free and fair reporting. 

However, he said it was disappointing that the bill was silent on regulation of the government media. 

He said he was hopeful that once implemented, the new law would promote balanced reporting and fair reporting of all political parties.

He further said there was need for the minister to assure the nation that harassment of journalists in an endeavour to silence them would stop. 

“We have seen in the past when journalists were harassed and some arrested in an effort to silence them, and I want to believe that will be a thing of the past,” he said.

He argued that as much as journalists had a responsibility to report fairly, they also deserved to be allowed to perform their functions without fear or favour. 

“Journalists play a big role in our society; they raise our consciousness, they ignite awareness by providing the information as well as the knowledge. They also raise a voice against the social ills happening in our society,” he said.

The MP for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi argued that although he supported the bill, it was long overdue.

 He said the bill was an integral part of a democracy. “Journalists have the power to build or destroy a nation hence it is important for them to have regulating bodies, just like other professions,” he said.

He said the bill should not be specific on the number of professional bodies to be represented in the board. 

He said this would cater for the growth of the industry and anticipated representation that might arise in the future. Mr Mmolotsi also said he acknowledged the recognition of the virtual media, as a country living in the digital era. Ends