The Media Industry Development (Repeal) Bill 2023 was tabled in Parliament yesterday after a motion pursuant to Standing Order 51 was moved by Attorney-General Siromi Turaga.
According to Mr Turaga, the Bill to repeal the existing Media Industry Development Act (MIDA) 2010 meant that freedom of expression would be assured for members of the media fraternity in the country.
“The MIDA 2010 amongst other things regulates the ownership, registration and content of media organisations in Fiji,” he said.
“Under the Act , the media content regulation framework includes the creation of the Media Industry Development Authority (MIDA), the Media Tribunal and other elements and it is this provisions that have been considered controversial. These elements are widely considered undemocratic, and in breach of the Constitutional rights to freedom of expression as outlined in Section 17 of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji. To that end, the MIDA 2023 seeks to repeal the Act.”
He said the repeal of MIDA did not mean that media organisations and reporters could report on anything and everything without having authentic sources and facts.
He said since its conception, the Act had not served any practical purpose, other than to unnecessarily limit media organisations and their operations and the freedom of expression, that was the hallmark of any democratically run country.
“Given the important role that the media plays in a democratic society and the adverse effects of the Act, it is therefore incumbent that the Act be repealed at the earliest.”
He moved that the Bill must pass through one stage at a single sitting of Parliament, and not be referred to a standing committee or other committee of Parliament.
The Bill will be debated and voted upon by Parliament this Thursday with an hour being given for debate.
The motion was carried after a vote: 28 for and 22 against.
Three did not vote.
