International support for Tunisia’s broadcast media regulatory body

IMS and ten other press freedom and media development groups express support for Tunisia’s Independent High Authority for Audio-visual Communication (HAICA) as its regulatory role is being undermined

In a statement of support released today, the organisations express their concerns over how various parties involved in the audio-visual sector, seeking to undermine HAICA’s independence, the principal organisation set up to regulate the audiovisual sector in the country, and reiterate their “full support to efforts to regulate the audio-visual scene, in order to ensure the independence, pluralism and diversity of the media in Tunisia.”

The organisations call on all stakeholders to unify efforts to preserve the independent regulatory body, and protect its policies and economic interests, despite several problematic clauses in HAICA’s terms of reference.

“It is important to continue the process of consultation and dialogue, committed to at the establishment of HAICA and during the preparatory phase of the new terms of reference. It is crucial for the democratic stabilisation of the country that people have access to diverse and pluralistic information, including through the media,” say the organisations.

The full statement is available in English, French, and Arabic.