Information Minister solicits media support to pass Broadcasting Bill

The Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar has appealed for support from the media to fast-track the passage of the broadcasting bill when brought before parliament.

According to the newly sworn-in minister, the bill is crucial for the development of the media industry and the country as a whole emphasizing that the bill will help regulate the broadcasting industry, promote local content, and protect the rights of consumers, especially children.

The Minister made these remarks as part of her media tour when she visited Ignite Media (Metro TV and Original TV), Omni Media ( Citi FM and Citi TV), B&FT and TV XYZ.

The Broadcasting Bill introduced in 2014 when passed would see the two main regulators of the media; the National Media Commission (NMC) and the National Communication Authority (NCA) collaborate more effectively and be equipped with greater powers to regulate and monitor media ownership.

The bill is also aimed at providing ownership transparency and preventing concentration and monopolies.

Since its introduction in 2014, the bill has seen several revisions making it difficult for it to be brought before Parliament.

In January this year, former Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah revealed that Bill is not before Parliament yet because portions of it are currently under review.

Meanwhile, various stakeholders including the Ghana Journalists Association have called on the immediate passage of the bill to help sanitise the airwaves.

Source: Myrepubliconline