The government has decided not to listen to journalists’ complaints. The latter had thought that their recent decision to set up an association would discourage the government from going forward with its project of implementing a media commission. A general assembly has even been organised for the 6th September to elect the executive members of this association. Even though the ultimate objective of the association is not to prevent the government from implementing its bill, it shows that members of the press are getting mobilised to defend their interests.

But the government has turned a deaf ear and is going ahead with the setting up of a media commission. With the media commission bill, the Independent Broadcasting Authority will no longer exist, as the new law will be applicable for all the press including radios. The commission will act as a moral authority but will not be given any powers to take sanctions against the press. But the sentences for libel and sedition will be more severe in the future.

The commission will be composed of members of the press with an independent arbitrator. Those who feel wronged by a press article will be able to appeal to the commission, which will listen to their complaints and make their conclusions public.

Besides, the criminal code act will be amended and made more severe. Those found guilty of libel will be subject to a fine of up to Rs 2 million – compared to Rs 5,000 at the moment – and a prison term of up to two years – compared to one year. Likewise, the fines for newspapers that fail to publish a rejoinder within three days will increase from Rs 10,000 to Rs 100,000. Those guilty of sedition will now have to pay fines of up to Rs 100,000 and those guilty of instigation to civil disobedience will now have to pay a fine of Rs 25,000 compared to Rs 2,000 at present.

The IBA act will also be amended to make sure radio and television do not incite hatred and negative feelings between the religions and communities of the island.

The Broadcasting Compliance Committee, to be set up in the near future, will be responsible for enquiring into complaints related to a breach of the law and of a code of conduct. It will also be allowed to demand corrective measures as well as the payment of “administrative pecuniary penalties” and a “financial penalty” of up to Rs 100,000. It will even be empowered to suspend or even cancel licences.