Editors push for changes in Information Bill
TEF deputy chairman Deodatus Balile
What you need to know:
The forum proposed changes in 25 sections in the draft law during a round-table meeting that lasted two hours. TEF leaders pointed out that if left as they were, some sections would impede journalists’ access to information instead of facilitating it
Dodoma. The Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF) yesterday presented proposals on amendments which should be made to the Access to Information (2016) Bill which will be discussed in Parliament in its next session that starts on September 6.
The forum proposed changes in 25 sections in the draft law during a round-table meeting that lasted two hours. TEF leaders pointed out that if left as they were, some sections would impede journalists’ access to information instead of facilitating it.
TEF deputy chairman Deodatus Balile noted for instance that Section 11 of the Bill states; “Where the access to information is requested, the information holder to which the request is made shall, within thirty days after the request is received, give written notice to the person who made the request as to whether the information exists and, if it does, whether access to the information or part thereof shall be given.”
He noted that this was too long a period for a journalist to wait for information. “Many of the sections in the draft have loopholes allowing information holders the freedom to decide on when and what information to give,” he said.
Mr Balile also noted that TEF was aggrieved with sections which set penalties for information seekers without putting responsibility and accountability on the information givers.
“Section 6(6) of the Bill states that a person who will disclose protected information withheld by the public authority will be liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than 15 years but not exceeding 20 years. But what about those who will intentionally refuse to give out public information?” queried Mr Neville Meena, TEF secretary.
Speaking after the presentation, most lawmakers applauded TEF for the well-researched proposition, but challenged TEF’s leaders to assure members of the public that they will see professional changes once their proposals were accommodated in the proposed law.
In his response, Mr Balile assured the MPs that professionalism would be guaranteed through the Media Service Bill, another law which awaits scrutiny by Parliament.
“The law we are fighting for is not only for the benefit of the media houses per see, but every Tanzanian, even you MPs,” he added.
