Yemen prepares new law for private broadcasters

The Ministry of Information in Yemen is preparing a law allowing the broadcast of private television channels and radio stations, said the Minister of Information, Hassan al-Lawzi. “We are currently working with the Ministries of Legal Affairs and Communications and Information Technology to issue two laws related to communications audiovisual information,” he stated. Al-Lawzi made this announcement at the opening ceremony of the third festival of radio and television, organized by the Faculty of the Information at Sana’a University.

“The media has become a huge force for national development and we cannot stand in front of its contributions. The Ministry of Information and Media Organizations is contemplating how to make our media assume its responsibilities in aiding real development and freedom of opinion and thinking,” he added.

Al-Lawzi stated that the political leadership’s instructions were clear about recognizing the role of media space in Yemen, pointing to the opening of a bouquet of Yemen Television. He emphasized the opening of a religious-oriented channel in the coming stage on the bouquet of Yemen, which will fill the vacuum and play a key role in media work. “The most important step is to expand participation in media freedoms, and the University of Sana’a plays a major role in producing media professionals who can forge dynamic institutions that enrich our community,” he added.
(Source: Yemen Observer/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)