Responding to the call by media advisor Datuk A. Kadir Jasin for inspiration on the setting up of a media council, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and the Gerakan Media Marah (Geramm) has produced a draft Constitution for a Media Council. Nonetheless, we reiterate our longstanding position that a media council can only function after the Printing Presses and Publications Act has been repealed, and the government shows its promised commitment to media freedom.
The Constitution is based upon the premise that the role of the media council is to safeguard editorial independence from interference by both politicians and media owners; that it acts as a clearing house for complaints from the public; that it works to help uphold the highest standards of news reporting and gathering; and that it is an independent self-regulatory body. We have consulted with various journalists in Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu and incorporated suggested amendments, but now want to start a broader consultation process.
Thus, we propose that the Council consist of a broad membership of journalists, journalist organisations, and editors, defined as those actively involved in the production of news content. This membership would elect a nine-person Board, split three ways between representation of journalists, editors and members of the public.
The drafters of the Constitution looked at models from Indonesia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland and others, looking both at the underlying principles of the Media Council and the effectiveness of the Council in addressing public concerns and promoting the best news values and practices.
We urge that such a Council be enacted with requisite legal reform, such as a Media Freedom Act, which would reform defamation law, recognizing the role of the Council in mediation; promote the protection and safety of journalists; and encourage the funding of independent journalism.
For further details, please contact Sonia Randhawa via cijmalaysia@gmail.com