Media Bill steamrolling concerns
By Henry Puna, Cook Islands Party Leader

It was disappointing to see that Government has steamrolled the proposed Media Standards Bill through Cabinet and then to Parliament before referring it to a special Select Committee that was established to hear submissions on this Bill.
Listening to Dr Maoate’s explanation during the introduction of the Bill and the confusion that followed in Parliament as to which Select Committee it should go to, reinforces the view that not only is this Bill riddled with loopholes. It is also poorly written and lacks depth in terms of its intent.
This Bill focuses more on the establishment of a Media Commission instead of looking at the principles and merits of setting appropriate media standards.
In any case, there is no logical reason why this could not be incorporated under a Review of the existing Broadcasting Act and to propose amendments as required rather than setting up another quasi entity within Government.
AGENDAS
One would also question the fact that why is Dr Maoate championing this Bill when in fact, the Minister for Broadcasting has been the Prime Minister Jim Marurai. It would appear Dr Maoate is receiving his advice from certain individuals within his office who have their own personal agendas rather than the interests of the people at stake.
This approach by Dr Maoate once again sets a dangerous precedence as during the reform process the media was privatised by the CIP Government to stop political interference in this industry.
Establishing this Commission will only see another regulatory arm of Government once again emerging and potentially influencing the rights and freedom of the press and civil society to access and representation of knowledge and information.
It is important that people fully understand the principles and merits of this archaic piece of legislation before lending support to it.
Why this Bill has been given priority over other more important pieces of legislation is beyond the CIP. We therefore encourage our people to ensure their voice is heard during the calling of submissions by the Select Committee which is to be convened shortly.

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