Local, International Groups Condemn Arab TV Charter

A number of leading media organizations criticized a charter agreed to this month by the Arab Ministers of Information in Cairo, Egypt, calling the “Principles for Organizing Satellite TV in the Arab World” a major setback to press freedom in the region.

“The Arab media, namely satellite television channels, are threatened with losing the limited margin of freedom that they enjoyed in the past few years,” stated Al-Quds Al-Arabi in a February 13 editorial titled “The Muzzling of Satellite Television Channels and Incrimination of their Employees.”

The editorial went on to claim that “the primary aim is to muzzle Arab voices that demand freedoms, respect for human rights, fair and direct elections, just and independent judiciary, and fair distribution of wealth.”

Meanwhile, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemned the charter adopted by Arab governments, stating it would “give state control over satellite broadcasters operating in their countries and that could be used to stifle independent and critical media voices,” according to an IFJ press release distributed the same day.

“This charter is a step backwards from the open and challenging developments in Arab satellite broadcasting of the past few years,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. “It could deal a serious blow to press freedom if it limits media to broadcasting government-friendly views.”

Likewise, ARTICLE 19, an independent human rights organization that works globally to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression, condemned the adoption of the charter, according to its press release titled “Arab Charter for Satellite TV a Major Setback to Press Freedom in Region.”

ARTICLE 19’s Executive Director, Dr. Agnes Callamard, said: “These principles constitute a major set back to freedom of the press and freedom of expression in the Arab world.  They attempt to muzzle what has become the main source of independent news and information for millions of people in the region.  Once again, intolerance and control prevail over freedom and the free and diverse flow of information.”