The Independent High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HAICA) and the National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) have agreed to set up a crisis unit. The main purpose of the unit is to monitor developments in the media landscape and respond to the aspirations and concerns of journalists.

The crisis unit will also look into ways and means of ensuring HAICA’s independence, according to a press release issued by SNJT on Thursday.

Another statement from HAICA said the meeting also examined recent violations and abuses targeting the rights of journalists in privately-owned media.

The two parties agreed on a number of urgent issues, in particular the obligation of privately-owned media to respect the rights of journalists, to comply with the terms of reference in force.

SNJT President Mohamed Yassine Jlassi expressed his expectations for this unit; he specifically mentioned the need to address the deteriorating socio-economic conditions of journalists working in certain private media organisations, including the Attessia television channel.

The unit will also discuss the status of the media and the legislation governing the audiovisual and print media. Jlassi said the situation of journalists in private media contradicts the clauses outlined in the specifications and the labour law, as well as Decree-Laws 115 and 116.

Regarding the public media, Jlassi cautioned against the government’s persistent attempts to control the media. He cited examples such as the Monastir radio station and the national television. Jlassi reaffirmed the union’s support for HAICA’s independent decision-making, emphasising its vital role in regulating the audiovisual landscape and ensuring diverse and pluralistic media.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse