Dili, 16 May 2000
The draft of the Broadcast Media Regulation was introduced today before the National Consultative Council. The proposal includes the establishment of an Independent Broadcasting Authority, an autonomous entity that would be independent of the Government and, in accordance with international broadcasting standards, formulate and implement broadcasting policy.
As a public legal entity, the Authority would have the capacity to enter into contracts, and to institute legal proceedings. The Authority would also enjoy operational and administrative autonomy from the Government and other agencies. The draft of the Regulation was mainly written by an independent consultant, after consultation with NCC members, other Timorese leaders and many local journalists.
The Regulation only covers radio and television. It is not a regulation of the press. It is not UNTAET s intention to regulate the media in general. The idea is that print media will operate freely, and be subject only to the general laws of the country, said Manoel de Almeida e Silva, the out-going Director of the Office of Communication and Public Information, to the NCC members.
Today was the first time journalists attended the NCC session. NCC members in attendance also received a detailed briefing on reconstruction plans, judicial affairs situation and Civil Service Commission s recommendations.
FIRST TV TEST SUCCESSFUL
The broadcast of the first program of UNTAET Television called Televisão UNTAET was successfully broadcast today in Dili. It was a one-hour magazine program with features, interviews, news, entertainment and public service announcements.
Every week a new tape will be produced and broadcast in Dili. Duplicates tapes will be sent to the 13 districts of the country.
The first broadcast was launched with a statement by SRSG Sergio Vieira de Mello, followed by a feature on children going back to school, interviews with a university teacher in Dili, and a kiosk vender in Suai, public service announcement on how to approach CivPol for help and a health feature on dengue.
