The idea of the tribunal sent shock waves through the media industry, with the proposal viewed as an attempt to gag the press, currently functioning under a self regulatory system.
The ANC's proposal of a media tribunal spurred the print media to review its own self-regulatory framework. It set up the Press Freedom Commission, tasked with boosting the framework and proposing an alternative to state, or party, intervention.
The ANC policy proposal states that the parliamentary process should reinforce the constitution, review the existing media accountability mechanisms and balance the rights to dignity, freedom of expression and freedom of the media. However, the party is also urging a review of privacy laws and those dealing with libel and defamation.
ANC communication subcommittee head Jessie Duarte said the party envisioned a mechanism free of the government and the influence of big business.
The ANC criticised the status quo, saying it was "perhaps the biggest barrier" to market entry and "potentially showed anticompetitive behaviour".
It further proposed that the Competition Commission focus on uncompetitive practices in the sector, which is dominated by Naspers, Avusa, Caxton, Independent Newspapers and the SABC.
The party would review its own media charter, adopted in 1992, and wants to introduce a charter to promote broad-based black economic empowerment in the print media. It notes the average black ownership in the mainstream print media is 14%, with female participation at board and management levels of 4,44%.
The document also proposes the Department of Communication be transformed into a department of information and communication technology (ICT) and postal services, to co-ordinate ICT policy formulation and oversee its implementation.
Source: Business Day via I-Net Bridge
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