1. CHANGE IN MEDIA SECTOR BROUGHT BY MEDIA REFORMS BY FRED MUVUNYI, RMC CHAIRMAN 6 TH ANNUAL NATIONAL MEDIA DIALOGUE

2. RWANDA MEDIA SECTOR Towards MEDIA REFORMS GoR GoR has since 2011, embarked on comprehensive media reforms meant to create a free, independent, professional and vibrant media sector. The establishment of the Law N° 04/2013 of 08/02/2013, concerning to Access to Information

3. Towards MEDIA REFORMS cont’d Towards MEDIA REFORMS cont’d In 2013, Rwanda became one of handful countries in Africa to pass a law (N°02/2013 of 08/02/2013 Law regulating Media) that gives the Media Self- Regulation an independent body managed by Journalists. The media self-regulation body- Rwanda Media Commission (RMC) put in place and run by Journalists in The G.A. of

4. Media Reforms benefits to Journalists Journalists have been able to regulate their profession Journalists have been able to regulate their profession Easy to access to information Easy to access to information CONDUSIVE media ENVIRONMENT CONDUSIVE media ENVIRONMENT Creation of a free, pluralistic and independent media Creation of a free, pluralistic and independent media

5. RMC – Rwanda Media Commission RMC – Rwanda Media Commission About RMC RMC (Rwanda Media Commission) is the Media Self-Regulatory Body in Rwanda instructed by Law N0. 02/2013 of 08/02/2013 Regulating Media and established by all Rwandan journalists in their General Assembly of 27/8/2013.

6. RMC STRATEGIC GOALS/OBJECTIVES 1. Build a strong, accountable, and a competent Commission; 2. Defend and Advocate for media freedom; 3. Environment where journalists are free from persecution, censorship and interference from any interest groups; 4. Ensure that media consumers are protected, free from abuse in the media 5. Ensure that journalists live by, and respect their professional code of ethics.

7. FIVE MAJOR ACTIVITIES Setting up a fully functional Secretariat to allow commission to operate effectively; Setting up a fully functional Secretariat to allow commission to operate effectively; Strengthen ownership of the Commission among journalists, media owners and the Public Strengthen ownership of the Commission among journalists, media owners and the Public Publicize the mission, mandate, functions and complaints procedures Publicize the mission, mandate, functions and complaints procedures Build trust and confidence in and respect for the Commission; Build trust and confidence in and respect for the Commission; Ensure financial support Ensure financial support

8. RMC ACTIVITIES Media Monitoring Media Monitoring RMC monitors media content on a regular basis. -The complaints-based monitoring: media content is scrutinized upon a complaint submitted to RMC. -The pro-active monitoring: RMC staff scrutinize print, broadcast & online content to identify professional & ethical gaps.

9. Advocacy: Advocacy: RMC is involved in advocacy activities that highlight not only the rights of journalists, but also their duties and responsibilities. RMC Activities (Cont’d)

10. Protection of journalists: Protection of journalists: RMC provides specific remedies in case of infringement on journalistic rights (Advocacy after breach, statements and legal support…) RMC Activities (Cont’d)

11. RMC ACTIVITIES () RMC ACTIVITIES (CONT’D) Media & Journalists Accreditation Media & Journalists Accreditation RMC is charged with accrediting journalists through issuing press cards, as well as registering media organs and issuing them with certificates of registration.

12. RMC ACHIEVEMENTS 48 cases handled within 12 months 48 cases handled within 12 months 39 Cases of ordinary people against media houses 39 Cases of ordinary people against media houses 5 Cases of Journalists against media houses 5 Cases of Journalists against media houses 3 Cases of Journalists against government and security organs 3 Cases of Journalists against government and security organs 2 Cases of government officials against Journalists 2 Cases of government officials against Journalists

13. RMC ACHIEVEMENTS CONT’D Media & Journalists Accreditation: 25 Media Houses and 155 Journalists have been Accredited Media & Journalists Accreditation: 25 Media Houses and 155 Journalists have been Accredited Creation of mutual partnership in complaints handling with other Authorities (Rwanda National Police, NPPA ) Creation of mutual partnership in complaints handling with other Authorities (Rwanda National Police, NPPA ) Awareness of the Commission and it’s mandate to the General Public (website, newsletter, social media and meetings) Awareness of the Commission and it’s mandate to the General Public (website, newsletter, social media and meetings) Nobody has appealed to courts of Law (The sign of satisfaction)

14. WHY THE MEDIA SELF-REGULATION IS IMPORTANT 1.It preserves editorial freedom; 2.It helps to minimize state interference; 3. It promotes media quality; 4.It is evidence of media accountability; 5. It helps the public access the media.

15. Thank You! Murakoze!