Officials discuss implementation of electronic-media laws

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Attending delegates overwhelmingly decided not to rush the implementation of any new digital media laws and suggested that legal reform of the electronic media be accompanied by sweeping sector reform, which is currently under consideration by the government, and could lead to the modernization of the industry and the formulation of clearer outlines about the rights and obligations of the media.

Electronic media reform should be preceded by the formulation of special legislation for electronic communication in general and should be tackled as a distinct chapter in a new media bill, Mitri said.

Instead the creation of a code of ethics or conduct, which would set out a list of working guidelines for journalists, was agreed upon as the best way to regulate the growing electronic media industry.

A series of seminars will take place to educate digital journalists about some of the most pressing issues facing the industry, including plagiarism and the insufficient attribution of sources. The first workshop is scheduled to take place at the end of September.

But improving the level of journalistic practice is only part of the problem facing the industry, said Ghaddar.

The electronic media in the country continues to be plagued by a lack of adequate infrastructure and the absence of broadband internet which inhibits upload and download capacity and crucially drives up the price of internet use, making online content less accessible.

Electronic media is presently not controlled by any legislation and falls outside of the codes which govern print, television and radio.

Digital journalists therefore do not belong to press syndicates, which, in principle, provide at least a measure of protection for reporters.

“There are definite pros and cons to being an electronic media organization,” said Ghaddar. “We don’t officially have any rights but we can be more flexible in what we do.

“Electronic media is much more difficult to control and monitor and it is much easier for companies to register outside of the country, for people to publish under aliases and for bloggers to post comment on the internet,” she said. “As much as they may want to, the government cannot organize electronic information – it’s just not going to happen.”

Any new media legislation, however, would enhance, and not restrict, media freedom in the country, Mitri said.

“I believe that any law … should stem from the constitutional principle that preserves media freedom in Lebanon,” he said. “The law is not for restraining but for enhancing this field. Professional morals and the working basis guarantee that media freedom is ensured by the constitution and laws.”