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Leweni explains media ‘freedom'

Monday, December 01, 2008

MEDIA freedom will not be curtailed as the interim Government moves to amalgamate laws that will define boundaries under which the industry is to operate, says Information Ministry deputy secretary Major Neumi Leweni.

He said the promulgation would continue to encourage media freedom and expression as well as encourage a greater degree of responsibility.

Major Leweni said the regime recognised the value of the role of the media as a public watchdog - but it should be accountable and responsible in its reporting.

To that end, Major Leweni said he did not find the media was fair.

He cited examples of issues and topics that he perceived should have been covered by the local press.

Major Leweni said the media neglected to compare and analyse the Australia and New Zealand governments' stand when the interim governments of 2000 and 2005 were appointed or the abrogation of the Constitution in 2000.

Also not reported, he said, was the appointment by decree in 1987 of the currently suspended Chief Justice and the fact that certain members of the judiciary were drafting decrees while members of Cabinet were held hostage.

Major Leweni said it was obvious self-regulation "was highly ineffective" hence the need for a media promulgation.

He added some journalists, editors and publishers were writing stories with a certain slant because they were carrying the agenda of people with vested interests.

End of story

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