FNC's Media Committee continues to discuss the country's media law

Abu Dhabi, Dec 21, 2008 (WAM) - The media committee set up by the Federal National Council (FNC) continued its discussion to craft the country's new media law.

The Federal Media Law will regulate the media activities in the UAE. The draft law consists of 45 articles in seven chapters binding audio-visual and print media as well as the related activities. The bill also provides definitions of basic concepts, stipulate core rules and lay out punitive measures for violations.

The meeting was presided over by the chairperson of the committee Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi in the presence of the Director General of the National Media Council Ibrahim Al Abed.

The committee listened to the opinions and views expressed by the representatives of the National Media Council regarding the draft bill, and enquired them about issues pertaining to media activity.

The committee stressed its keenness to make a comparative studies among the press laws of various countries on the Arab, regional and the international levels.

The chairperson assured that the committee is committed to listen to everyone taking part in the process of evolving the country's media law, and seek guidance from them for regulating the media activity to suit the progress and development in the UAE.

The National Media Council representatives stressed at the meeting that the new law should replace the preceding law and underlined the importance of benefiting from the modern trends and developments in this field.

The earlier law was enacted 28 years ago in 1980 to regulate the printing and publishing activities in the country.