New dawn as media regulators launch EA Press Council

Media regulators in East Africa have called for enhanced collaboration to safeguard media freedom in the region.

Heads of media councils in the region who spoke at the launch of the East Africa Press Councils (EAPC) at the East African Community (EAC) headquarters in Arusha on Thursday, concurred on the need to leverage power of the media in pushing the economic bloc's ideals.

The EAPC has been established following working relations among media regulators and development agencies from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia.

The association will promote and protect free, independent, professional and accountable media in East Africa, media pluralism and diversity and strengthen independent media regulatory bodies.

It will also promote self-regulation and create a platform for media regulatory bodies to share experiences and exchange information on emerging issues.

East African Community Secretary General Peter Mathuki said independent media remains critical in ensuring social justice, the rule of law, accountability and protection of human rights. He said the role of media regulators was more critical now than ever.

"When media regulators come together to promote press freedom, I believe great strides will be made. The EAC views media as a major partner in the integration process since it informs the society on matters of integration besides setting the agenda," said Dr Mathuki in a speech read on his behalf by EAC's Director of Social Sectors Dr Irene Isaka.

EAPC chairman and executive director of the Media Council of Tanzania Kajubi Mukajanga described the launch as a milestone.

"The launch of the East Africa Press Councils is a dream come true for joint media regulation. EAPC embraces the spirit of the EAC in upholding the community's epitomes through the media," he said.

EAPC Secretary and Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo said the universality of ethical practices across countries calls for collaborations in media regulation and content moderation. He urged media players in the region to adopt innovative ways to counter the effects of digital revolution.