Govt is in favour of free media - Manyi
2011-07-25 22:10
Pretoria - The government is in favour of a media free from "proxies", opposition political parties and commercial interests, government spokesperson Jimmy Manyi said on Monday.
Manyi, who heads the government communication service (GCIS) said: "This government is pro a free media. It is a constitutional requirement. But the media must understand its freedom. It needs to be free from other interests."
The media could not be "a proxy for other stakeholders" and had it wanted to, the government had a big enough majority in Parliament to pass the proposed protection of information bill unhindered by opposition parties, said Manyi.
He had been encouraged by the "robustness of discussions" on the proposed legislation.
Asked if he thought there was any media free from influence, he said: "It is for you to make that call. We don't want to do that."
He said the government would like to see a more diversified media.
- SAPA
