Freedom of the press under threat - again!

I was appalled to read the following information.

The BBC reports:

"At a meeting in Cairo called by Egypt and Saudi Arabia, a charter was adopted allowing authorities to withdraw permits from offending channels."

"At the meeting of information ministers from the 22-nation Arab League in Cairo, the charter was agreed by a vote.

The document calls on stations "not to offend the leaders or national and religious symbols" of Arab countries, news agency AFP reports.

They should not "damage social harmony, national unity, public order or traditional values," the charter says.

Signatory countries may "withdraw, freeze or not renew the work permits of media which break the regulations".

The charter also calls on broadcasters to avoid erotic content, or content which promotes smoking or the consumption of alcohol, and to "protect Arab identity from the harmful effects of globalisation".

"Some satellite channels have strayed from the correct path," said Egyptian Information Minister Anas al-Fiqi.

He said it was time to confront those who propagated ignorant or reactionary ideas, and those who tried to score points by undermining governments and nations.

What worries me about this charter is that it appears that there are 22 regimes who wish to keep their people ignorant about what is going on in the world - perhaps to maintain their hold on power.

An information minister who can say that channels have "strayed from the correct path." really is a worry.

There is no 'correct path' in journalism except the truth or at least a point of view which an author is willing to stand behind!

If TV channels that wish to operate in the Arab League have now confirmed that they are nothing more than propaganda arms for the countries in which they are allowed to continue to function, then all people who are of the Muslim faith and all people who are interested in the freedom of the press need to be aware that it's not only bad taste that is in question from this decision, it is access to the truth!

People can turn off something which offends them if it is shown.

However, whenever a state or a religious institution censors what can and cannot be shown to people, then it becomes a repressive regime that does not trust it's own people. There is no guarantee that what the viewers are shown has any connection with either reality or the truth!

Arab League members need to consider what this move on their part will to do supporters or at least even handed commentators.

From now on, it is likely to be even more difficult than at present to tell what is or what is not really happening in Arab countries that are the members of the League.

From now on at least, all material needs to be vetted to ensure that it is not merely government approved propaganda!

I think the Arab League have done a great disservice to their communities and where there is some semblance of democracy, to their electorates.

They have once again encouraged those whose passion it is to argue that governments in Arab countries can't be trusted, because they fear the truth being told to their own people!

Censorship is not a great way to enable communication from any government!

It's also not a great way to encourage cooperation and collaboration with the rest of the world.