Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06KINSHASA1447
2006-09-15 11:40:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:
Media Authority Issues Ruling Against Pro-Kabila TV
how-toVZCZCXRO4330 RR RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN DE RUEHKI #1447 2581140 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 151140Z SEP 06 FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4790 INFO RUEHXR/RWANDA COLLECTIVE RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
UNCLAS KINSHASA 001447
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM PINS KPAO CG
SUBJECT: Media Authority Issues Ruling Against Pro-Kabila TV
Stations
REF: A) KINSHASA 1434, B) KINSHASA 1401, C) KINSHASA 1388
Sensitive but Unclassified. Not for Internet Distribution.
UNCLAS KINSHASA 001447
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM PINS KPAO CG
SUBJECT: Media Authority Issues Ruling Against Pro-Kabila TV
Stations
REF: A) KINSHASA 1434, B) KINSHASA 1401, C) KINSHASA 1388
Sensitive but Unclassified. Not for Internet Distribution.
1. (U) Following its decisions September 12 - when the High Media
Authority (HAM) reprimanded or fined two Bemba-owned TV stations
(for jumping the gun with campaign broadcasts) and issued a warning
to the state-owned RTNC (for a show where Jean-Pierre Bemba was
referred to as a treacherous snake) (ref A) - the HAM issued further
decisions on September 13, based on a complaint by Bemba's MLC
party.
2. (U) Accordingly, three journalist/moderators from RTNC,
pro-Kabila RTGA, and pro-Kabila Digital Congo were reprimanded for a
one-sided, co-produced political talk show called "Grandes
Questions." Because the program violated the pledge signed by
broadcast media two weeks ago (refs B and C),notably the provision
that political shows not be one-sided at this time, the HAM
suspended the show for one month. Furthermore, those who appeared on
the show, Mr. Lambert Mende Omalanga, a prominent member of Kabila's
Alliance for the Presidential Majority, and Ms. Aena Tokwaulu are,
respectively, under a 15-day and 30-day ban from the media for
making provocative statements.
3. (SBU) Comment: The HAM is evidently seized with just how
important its role can be in keeping media allied with Joseph Kabila
and Jean-Pierre Bemba from becoming mouthpieces for hardliners of
both camps. The Ambassador will meet with HAM President Mutinga on
Monday to reinforce that role. End comment.
MEECE
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM PINS KPAO CG
SUBJECT: Media Authority Issues Ruling Against Pro-Kabila TV
Stations
REF: A) KINSHASA 1434, B) KINSHASA 1401, C) KINSHASA 1388
Sensitive but Unclassified. Not for Internet Distribution.
1. (U) Following its decisions September 12 - when the High Media
Authority (HAM) reprimanded or fined two Bemba-owned TV stations
(for jumping the gun with campaign broadcasts) and issued a warning
to the state-owned RTNC (for a show where Jean-Pierre Bemba was
referred to as a treacherous snake) (ref A) - the HAM issued further
decisions on September 13, based on a complaint by Bemba's MLC
party.
2. (U) Accordingly, three journalist/moderators from RTNC,
pro-Kabila RTGA, and pro-Kabila Digital Congo were reprimanded for a
one-sided, co-produced political talk show called "Grandes
Questions." Because the program violated the pledge signed by
broadcast media two weeks ago (refs B and C),notably the provision
that political shows not be one-sided at this time, the HAM
suspended the show for one month. Furthermore, those who appeared on
the show, Mr. Lambert Mende Omalanga, a prominent member of Kabila's
Alliance for the Presidential Majority, and Ms. Aena Tokwaulu are,
respectively, under a 15-day and 30-day ban from the media for
making provocative statements.
3. (SBU) Comment: The HAM is evidently seized with just how
important its role can be in keeping media allied with Joseph Kabila
and Jean-Pierre Bemba from becoming mouthpieces for hardliners of
both camps. The Ambassador will meet with HAM President Mutinga on
Monday to reinforce that role. End comment.
MEECE