Viva media freedom in Africa! - 22 Jul 2013

It seems that apart from things like attaining world peace and finding a cure for HIV/Aids, is the continual struggle of journalists the world over to have their rightful media freedom and freedom of expression.

This past weekend, hundreds of Somalian journos, media managers and the like from broadcast, print and online media have renewed their objections to the proposed new media law which was adopted by the Council of Ministers of Somalia. According to the media community, this new law will impose potentially wide-ranging restrictions on freedom of the media and freedom of expression.

The media community feels that the draft media law can be misused to curb alternative and differing voices in Somalia for political reasons and editorial independence will not be guaranteed. The secretary general of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), Omar Faruk Osman, said that the Federal Government needs to provide assurances that this draft law will be refined, genuinely consulted with the media and take steps to ensure that it is implemented with full respect for the freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

If this law takes nearly as long as the POIB in South Africa to get finalised, I suggest we grab a cuppa and get comfortable as it might be a pretty long wait...

In other news, Wayne Levine gives some advice on social media for business. According to him social media is an aid in everyday business, not a hindrance.

Applications can now be submitted for the 2014 East Africa Fellows Program which focuses on developing the next generation of social change leaders. Make sure you send your application before 2 September.

And last but not least, entries have opened for PromaxBDA Africa 2013 so get on that asap and compete for the coveted PROMAX Muse and BDA Isis in order to be recognised as the best in Africa.

Cheers!
Ilse van den Berg, Africa Editor (@Biz_Africa)