Africa-Press – Lesotho. The National Reforms Authority (NRA) has adopted the Media Reforms Technical Committee constitutional amendments. These developments transpired yesterday during NRA’s plenary 7th
Ordinary Meeting. The Media Reforms Technical Committee has proposed that the General Principles of Media in Lesotho, Media Council of Lesotho, Independent
Communication Authority, General Principles of Public Broadcasting and Lesotho Public Broadcasting Corporation be anchored in the Constitution. This move, according to the Committee, will afford media autonomy,
professionalism and arrest undue influence in the media thereby protecting the editorial independence of the media houses. “Media in Lesotho shall play an integral part in the development and
democratisation process of the country. “Media shall be a platform that facilitates citizen participation in public affairs and development of the country; Media shall promote freedom of
expression,” reads the Committee’s report. The state media will also be transformed into Lesotho Public Broadcasting Corporation as per the recommendation from the public which is
contained in the Multi-stakeholder National Dialogue Plenary II Report. “Transform the Lesotho National Broadcasting Services from state broadcaster into an independent public broadcaster.
” Also, the Lesotho Telecommunications Authority (LCA) will be turned into
the Independent Communication Authority. Basotho [has] said that LCA be “Grant[ed] institutional and operational autonomy”. There will also be apparatus to regulate and handle the complaints
against the irregular conduct of the media practitioners. The entry into the media profession will also be regulated as those aspiring will be required to produce academic qualifications from an accredited
institution of higher learning. The plenary accepted the report with amendments. The reforms are about: “The transformation of the Kingdom of Lesotho into a just, prosperous and stable country marked by effective and
people-focused institutions; national unity of purpose; rule of law, good governance and human rights. ” NRA is charged with the mandate to address the seven thematic areas
which are constitution, parliament, media, economy, security, judiciary and public service sector. It is established through the Parliament Act No. 4, 2019 and the NRA Regulations, 2020 and it is accountable to the Parliament.
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