Qatar takes a stand
I applaud Qatar for taking a stand over The Arab League's backwood step in silencing criticism by Arab TV networks. I hope Qatar will be able to ignore the resolution imposed by this 'document' - see below
Well done Qatar.
Arab states slap regulations on TV channels
Web posted at: 2/13/2008 1:45:3
Source ::: QNA
cairo • Arab countries, at the initiative of Egypt and Saudi Arabia, yesterday adopted a document which imposes ‘regulations’ on Arab satellite television and bars offending their regimes. Over the opposition solely of Qatar, information ministers of the 22-member Arab League voted in favour of the document.
The meeting was called at the request of Egypt, which hosts the Arab League and serves as base for several Arab satellite channels.
It calls for the stations "not to offend the leaders or national and religious symbols" of Arab countries.
The Cairo document authorises signatory countries to "withdraw, freeze or not renew the work permits of media which break the regulations". It stipulates that satellite channels "should not damage social harmony, national unity, public order or traditional values."
I am inclined to believe that Egypt was either allured with incentives or pushed by Saudi Arabia into this whole deal. Saudi is hiding behind Egypt because of the threat of growing harsh critique about its system.
Egypt already has opposing press tarnishing every gov. official and the ruling party's press has sections, articles and caricatures dedicated to criticize the gov. Also anti-government local programs, exercising freedom to a limited extent, despite of heavy-handed consequences.
It doesn’t make sense that Egypt would want to shut them all up on satellite channels, while they have been allowed locally.
I expect media officials to strike or organize sit-in, similar to writers' strike in the US. The Egyptian media is already furious and announced they wont adhere.
Although Egypt is the host environment for this "parasite" document, but it wont be implemented. Salaam
From todays Gulf Times
Al Jazeera slams Arab media curbs
Published: Saturday, 16 February, 2008, 02:09 AM Doha Time
DOHA-BASED
media network Al Jazeera said yesterday a code adopted by Arab states
to govern satellite broadcasting could shackle freedom of expression.
"Any
code of ethics or governance for journalistic practices should emerge,
and be governed, from within the profession and not be imposed
externally by political institutions," Wadah Khanfar,
director-general of Al Jazeera, said in a statement.
Arab
information ministers on Tuesday endorsed the charter, which allows
host countries to annul or suspend the licence of any broadcaster found
in violation of the rules it sets.
It echoes the language found in
press laws used by some Arab countries to prosecute journalists
critical of their respective governments.
The charter bans
broadcasting material seen undermining “social peace, national unity,
public order and general propriety†— accusations which Arab
governments often throw at their opponents.
"Al Jazeera
considers the adoption of the charter ... a risk to the freedom of
expression in the Arab world," the network said.
"Some of the
language contained within the charter is ambiguous and could be
interpreted to actively hinder independent reporting from the
region."
Any violation of professional ethics should be tackled
through independent legal processes, said Khanfar, whose channel has
been punished with reporting bans in some Arab countries over the past
decade.
Baghdad banned Al Jazeera from reporting in Iraq three
years ago accusing it of fomenting sectarianism among its divided
majority Shia and minority Sunni Muslims, although its English-language
service has a presence in Baghdad.
The charter was the Arab
governments' response to the relative freedom enjoyed by Arab
satellite broadcasters, many of which are privately financed and which
encourage open political discussion of sensitive matters.
It says that broadcasters cannot criticise religions or defame political, national and religious leaders.
Launched
in the mid-1990s, Al Jazeera was the first Arab news outlet to allow
vibrant debates over issues state-run media in the region saw as taboo.
It has since launched an English-language news channel, sports and
children channels and a popular news website. It also opened the gate
for the creation of several rivals in the region including Dubai-based
Saudi-owned Al Arabiya.
"The region has seen the recent
emergence of many media institutions and every attempt should be made
not to hamper, but to facilitate, an environment to encourage their
independence and freedom," Khanfar said.
The Cairo document
authorises signatory countries to"withdraw, freeze or not renew the
work permits of media which break the regulations"
It
stipulates that satellite channels "should not damage social harmony,
national unity, public order or traditional values."
Programming
should also "conform with the religious and ethical values of Arab
society and take account of its family structure."
Channels
should "refrain from broadcasting anything which calls into question
God, the monotheistic religions, the prophets, sects or symbols of the
various religious communities."
Broadcasters should avoid "erotic or obscene material" or programmes that" encourage
smoking or the consumption of alcohol"
They should also "protect Arab identity from the harmful effects of globalisation."
Egyptian
Information Minister Anas al-Fiqi had told a news conference after the
adoption of the recommendations on Tuesday that his country would be
the "first to implement the Cairo document"
"Some satellite channels have strayed from the correct path," he charged. Reuters/AFP
I don't go to mythical places with strange men.
-- Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul.
http://www.economist.com/world/africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10666436&CFID=8710491&CFTOKEN=94f7fd27224ca4e4-1E828480-B27C-BB00-012B70F4EC99D5DA
The Egyptian media is still criticizing leaders and will remain to do so. None of the programs were intimidated nor have they agreed to the “suppression leaders wish to impose”.
Salaam
Is that applicable in critiquing the US and the western world? The Red Pope of Qatar LivingRichard 123 said: I believe peace is through integration
you took the words right out of my mouth!
The press and publications law in qatar already insists that newspapers shouldn't criticise the emir or islam. It seems hypocritical to object to a law that stops Al Jazeera from criticising other nations' leaders.
Perhaps if the press and publications law was scrapped, more people would take qatar's arguments seriously.
so if most are in favour, would Qatar be forced to follow?
I hope not and Qatar makes a stand. I don't want us to end being a hypocrit nation that can judge others but not be judged.
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Cannot imagine AlJazeera noddng in agreement to all Arab and Non-Arab leaders! to please them and derail from the quest for the truth. That would be a step back towards " I am your servant master".
I just wish media criticism would not stoop to bad words and cursing, that's sterile too. Constructive criticism is what I wish to see in practice. Salaam
For full detail of the news bulletin click on this link: http://www.qatarliving.com/node/73434 The Red Pope of Qatar LivingBut as Muhammad Ali once said, 'It's not bragging, if you can back it up'."
Yes, but according to the BBC report, which RED_POPE has cited in THIS thread, their objection was for purely legal reasons, not political.
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