(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release: Biased Conduct of State Media The FMM condemns the ongoing use and manipulation of the state media as communications organs for the President’s political party, even after the date for a snap general election was announced. The state media were taken over on 3 November 2003. […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an FMM press release:
Biased Conduct of State Media
The FMM condemns the ongoing use and manipulation of the state media as communications organs for the President’s political party, even after the date for a snap general election was announced. The state media were taken over on 3 November 2003.
The President’s Media Spokesman, the former Editor of the President’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party newspaper, and the Chief Organiser of her party in the Dehiwela-Galkissa electorate continue to hold office as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and Chairman of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., respectively. The boards of management of these institutions also continue to be controlled by political appointees. In addition, the state-controlled Independent Television Network and the Lakhanda radio service are administered by political supporters of the President.
During the past 10 days, following the announcement of elections, the state media have functioned in contravention of all rules, regulations, conventions and guidelines applicable to state media institutions during election campaigns. Almost without exception, these institutions have acted as the propaganda organs of the President’s electoral campaign.
Even though former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar has been appointed as the Minister in charge of state media, it is to be sadly noted that the biased reporting of state media institutions continues. The FMM demands that the public undertaking with respect to fair reporting by state media institutions, previously agreed to by the President as well as Minister Kadirgamar, be immediately implemented.
The FMM also strongly calls for steps to be taken immediately to implement the powers and functions vested in the Election Commission with regard to fair reporting and the misuse of state resources during election campaigns.
At the same time, the FMM urges private media institutions to make all reasonable efforts to ensure fair and balanced reporting during the course of this election campaign.
Sunanda Deshapriya
Spokesperson, Free Media Movement
