By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : The Arab Information Ministers Council (AIMC) has approved unanimously Egypt’s proposal to host an AIMC emergency session in January 2008 on the controls of radio and television broadcasting.
The proposed session will mull the possibility of fostering pan-Arab legislation to regulate the satellite radio and TV broadcasting, Egyptian Minister of Information Anas El-Fiqqi told reporters after the AIMC meeting here Wednesday.
“We have nothing against the increasing number of satellite media outlets, but we need to develop legislation that guarantee the freedom of expression and the privacy of Arab families and traditions,” Al-Fiqqi pointed out.
“Some satellite channels violated our privacy, and hardly pay any regard to our traditional values,” he explained.
“The number of Arab satellite TV channels exceeded 300 and the figure is expected to hit 500 in the few coming years.
“Egypt asserted the necessity of working out a pan-Arab legislation to regulate the channels and suggested that the Arab countries offer financial contributions to finance the project.
“Specialised think-tanks will be engaged to develop the proposed legislation within a specific time frame.
“The blueprint of the legislation is expected to be endorsed by the coming AIMC emergency session in January,” he said.