Amendments have been made to the Media Decree by the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau following cabinet's approval last week which sees clear exemptions for organisations that distribute information through newsletters or websites and are not in any way linked to media related operations.
Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the Prime Minister has today, by written notice in the gazette - exempted any state or government entity or statutory body, any educational facility that is registered under the Education Act or Higher Education Promulgation, any organisation referred to in the Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities Act and any business in respect of which a licence is required under the Business Licensing Act, except those stated in the decree.
Sayed-Khaiyum said the organisations such as schools, law firms, banks and hairdressing salons are exempt from the Media Decree and do not need to apply for an exemption.
Sayed-Khaiyum states that those that are not exempt from the Media Decree are journalists including freelance, printers, publishers, radio stations, television stations, studio, video and cinematograph films.
He said persons and organisations who are not exempt from the decree by virtue of the written notice of exemption and who are subject to the decree may apply for specific exemption, which allows the Minister in his discretion, to exempt any person or organisation from the provisions of the decree.
This will be determined on a case by case basis.
Story by: Vijay Narayan.
