Media Authority Issues Ruling Against Pro-Kabila TV

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