Media guidelines proposed

19 July 2010 07:12 am - 21 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The government is to introduce media "guidelines" in accordance with media ethics to promote professionalism and the skills of journalists in Sri Lanka. However the government insists that the guidelines will not be a harsh regulatory mechanism.

Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, speaking at a seminar in Kandy today said that the government will set up a Media Development Authority in order to help media to enhance its professionalism and efficiency further, the government information department said.

Rambukwella said that the authority proposed has no harsh regulatory mechanism but guidelines in accordance with media ethic to promote professionalism and skills of journalists in this part of the world.

“What we intend is to give a professional recognition to journalists in line with other professional bodies in the country. Journalists are the unofficial agents of the masses They have the duty by the people,” the government information department quoted the Minister as saying.

“When the word ‘authority’ is used there is a general tendency the people interpret it as a regulatory body that would bring restrictions and licensing needs etc. But here it is for the well being of the augmentation of professionalism among journalism,” he said.

Director General of the government information department Professor Ariyarathna Athugala has been tasked the responsibility of making the initial draft on this new initiative, the government information department said. (Daily Mirror online)

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Comments - 21

David Monday, 19 July 2010 08:44 AM

It is time for the media to give guideline for the Governments on how to govern a country.

Calistus Jayatilleke Monday, 19 July 2010 03:45 PM

This sounds like the first step to bury media freedom in this country: Look who is talking about "professionalism" and "efficiency"!. Let them first come up with guidelines for these politicians on how to behave like gentlemen.

Lankan Monday, 19 July 2010 12:29 PM

Sri Lanka already made an effort to approach china to restrict internet. Now local media. God has to save us from the grip of these mafia gang

Senior CitizenSenior Monday, 19 July 2010 11:55 AM

tHIS AREA IS SUCH A SMALL AREA COVERED BY THE MEDIA - MUCH MORE IMPORTANT MATTERS THAN THIS.

bash Monday, 19 July 2010 11:22 AM

STATE MEDIA ??????????????

pasel Monday, 19 July 2010 11:12 AM

What is this guide book to Media, We never heard of it it is kind of thread if you slip out the guide line you will be chagered.
another neck tie for media

Smart Aleck Monday, 19 July 2010 09:59 AM

Why doesn't the government first make an example out of its own media?

AMICUS Monday, 19 July 2010 09:43 AM

ARE THESE GUIDELINES THE SAME AS THOSE GIVEN TO MEDIA PERSONNEL OF THE STATE MEDIA ?

SC Monday, 19 July 2010 09:34 AM

Can somebody propose some guidelines on "how to behave as a civilised citizen" for all MP's

willows Monday, 19 July 2010 09:26 AM

First set up guidelines to government how to govern the country without looting ans stealing public funds 10% ect????? then every thing will be in order???

john Monday, 19 July 2010 09:05 AM

Better if the media set up a Government Development Authority in order to help the Government to enhance its professionalism and efficiency.

Suchith Monday, 19 July 2010 07:32 AM

I especially hope that these include a big section related to Child Protection. How some media reports on children are appalling and should be one of the first things to be addressed.

It is important children's identity be withheld and their privacy is protected when it comes to vulnarable situations.

Media reporting on children should always follow the 'Do No Harm' approach.

There so many things in this regards to consider.

Pradeep Monday, 19 July 2010 08:32 AM

well the first thing they should try is to bring professionalism to the ITN and Rupavihini and other government media outlets.

Hash Monday, 19 July 2010 08:21 AM

This is the beginning of the end of MBC Networks I guess

Wasantha Monday, 19 July 2010 08:09 AM

Biggest mistake. Should have introduced "guidelines" in accordance wth generally accepeted civilised ethics for politicians.Another attempt made to bury the media freedom.

MIMI Monday, 19 July 2010 08:02 AM

Hope this applies to all media !! Be it Public or Private !! Also hope these moves are done with genuine intentions and not to supress media freedom !!

Rajitha Monday, 19 July 2010 07:39 AM

they are trying to ban media freedom that's for sure.

krish Monday, 19 July 2010 07:37 AM

Efficiency ..............? what is the measure you have?

bugger Monday, 19 July 2010 07:37 AM

The guidelines will be that only pro govt news be published.

Gayan Samarasekara Monday, 19 July 2010 07:36 AM

trying to shut media..

Ash Di Spentaneous Monday, 19 July 2010 07:33 AM

what else to say, now bring a step by step process to ban free media.

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Media guidelines proposed

Comments - 21

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