Freedom Forum has submitted its inputs to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology for the correction in the Mass Communications Bill (draft).
The Ministry is made aware on selecting one model- either communications authority or press registrar. Selecting one would be practical for implementation later. It helps reduce unnecessary burden of new mechanism. Similarly, proper delineation of rights among three tiers of governments should be mentioned in relation to the regulation of broadcasting, print, online, journalist, which would be as per spirit of federalism. Its mention with addition of separate chapter is desirable.
More clarity is needed on community and public media. Accreditation of news agency, State’s responsibility for journalists’ physical safety have also been missed. FF also suggested to wipe out other redundancies and provisos in the bill to make media free. Labour Act should be clearly stated in Section 53. Old Radio Act, 2014 needs cancellation and two clauses added about it.