MPs reject Media Bill

Through the Bill, the minister says she wants to establish a Press Council for Botswana for the purpose of preserving high professional standards within the media and to provide for matters related thereto.

The media fraternity has rejected the Bill on grounds that it takes away its independence and self-regulation. The Bill gives the minister powers to appoint and dissolve complaints and appeals committees. The Bill also calls for the criminalisation of the journalism profession by jailing anybody who contravenes the Act.