PM: Why I now back Media Bill

Prime Minister Jim Marurai has announced his support for the Media Standards Bill which was presented in Parliament on Thursday night by Deputy Prime Minister Sir Terepai Maoate.
The Prime Minister also announced that on Wednesday he transferred the portfolios of Broadcasting (previously held by the PM) and House of Ariki (previously held by Kete Ioane) to the DPM.
The Prime Minister said that an information paper on the Bill had been presented to Cabinet last week along with a request from the DPM that the DPM take the Bill to Parliament.
After the Bill was presented on Thursday night, it was referred to a select committee for public consultations.
The select committee will hear submissions. The PM said depending on those submissions, the select committee will decide if the Bill is required or not.
CONTROL
When asked why he had changed his earlier view that the Bill was not necessary, the PM said he changed his mind because he now believes there should be some control on media reports.
He said sometimes people are aggrieved. The idea is for the media to present balanced reporting. The PM said government feels there has to be some controls.
It was mentioned that no other Pacific Islands Forum nation had such legislation and the PM was asked if he was concerned at how the country could be viewed internationally especially by the donor countries.
The PM said he did not believe there would be any international concerns. “It depends on how we treat issues promoted in the Bill,” the PM said.
When asked will it be difficult for the media to report matters, the PM said reading the Bill he did not see a problem. The PM said the main issue was human rights, freedom of speech and expression and reading the Bill he saw no restriction on these.
When asked to elaborate on his earlier comment about controls, the PM said this would be exercised through the Commission. This process would keep costs to complainants down.
COMMISSION
The Deputy Prime Minister will approve and appoint the members of the Commission who will comprise largely members from the media industry and the private sector.
On broadcasting, the PM said six months ago the DPM had asked if he could handle the portfolio. He asked for Broadcasting and TCI (Telecommunications).
The DPM does not have TCI yet as it depends on the TCI Board members. The PM put the matter to the TCI Board members two weeks ago and is still awaiting a reply.
When asked why the DPM was handed the portfolio for House of Ariki, the PM said it was because the DPM was Minister for Parliamentary Services, which looked after the House of Ariki.
When asked about his relationship with the DPM and the public perception that the DPM was assuming greater control, the PM said he got on well with the DPM and rumours were making it difficult.
In conclusion the PM disclosed that he had not read the Media Bill and had only read it on his recent trip to Tahiti.

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