Why not rein in private media too?

The case for a ‘Media Commission’:

Amrit MUTTUKUMARU

In the final analysis, it is the media that can give true meaning to democratic values and ensure ‘good governance’ notwithstanding the existence of even an enlightened constitution and a ‘Right to Information’ law (which we do not have!).

If the media as exist at present in this country were to continue in the same vein, these measures even if introduced, to a large extent would not serve their purpose. It is apparent that the responsibility for this state of affairs is not wholly due to the transgressions of the State controlled media.

For example, an objective analysis of the stance of the media - print and electronic, in relation to the ongoing presidential election campaign will indicate that while the State controlled media are partisan in their coverage, influential sections of the purported ‘independent’ media are not too far behind either.

This is a phenomenon that has existed under several political dispensations although it could be argued that it has reached dizzying heights at present.

This has even prompted the Elections Commissioner to articulate the need for the appointment of a ‘Competent Authority’ to monitor the media.

However, given the disconnect between what he postulates and what he actually implements, the chances are that nothing meaningful will happen!

While there is no argument about the transgressions of the State controlled media under different political dispensations, there is less appreciation of the unacceptable conduct of influential sections of the private media under the control of business interests and highly dependent on advertising patronage.

Under the circumstances, is not their purported ‘independence’ questionable? If not, how could for example
(1) the entities concerned in the Ceylinco Group have functioned for so long without being exposed?
(2) in the aftermath of the LMSL Supreme Court Judgment Susantha Ratnayake not only continue as Chairman - JKH, but worse, continue as Deputy Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and be its next Chairman?

It should be noted that the Ceylinco Group and JKH are among the biggest advertisers in the country. The purported ‘self regulation’ of the private media currently in force through its ‘Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka’ apparently dominated by a few is clearly not satisfactory.

Media Commission

It is proposed that a ‘Media Commission’ applicable to all media be brought under the ambit of a greatly improved 17th Amendment with the simultaneous abrogation of the ‘Press Council’ law and other laws inimical to media freedom.

Right to Information

It is of the utmost importance that further to a transparent process enabling public participation, the ‘Right to Information’ law be passed without any undue delay. Under the RTI, any citizen should have the right to seek relevant information from any institution that purports to serve the public.

Hence, the RTI in addition to the public sector should also include the private and NGO sectors. Likewise, ‘whistle blowing’ protection should also extend to the private and NGO sectors. I understand that the draft RTI law questionably omits the private and NGO sectors!

Should not these proposals amongst other pertinent issues, engage the attention of the presidential candidates?