Srutiny Panels were supposedly created in order to make Jersey Government more accountable and transparent.
Until the 18th of Feb 2009 anybody could make video recordings of Scrutiny Panel meetings. But then, the Scrutiny Chairman's Committee decided that "Bloggers" like us and the general public must not video without prior permission. A Chaiman's "veto" was thus effectively created - but it does not apply to Channel TV, Channel Online, BBC or any others of the "accreditted Press".
We were not invited to comment. There was no published agenda. The committee meeting was not open to the public. We have spoken with 5 of the 6 committee members - 4 "can't remember" if there was a vote the other says "there was no vote". Minutes of the meeting won't be available for another month................
CITIZENS MEDIA is under attack.
Senator Jimmy Perchard's outburst is not an isolated voice from the establishment. Be in no doubt - this Government wants to silence Bloggers like us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ironically on the 2nd of March 2009 10;12;00GMT Anonymous filed some very interesting comments about these matters here http://stuartsyvret.blogspot.com/2009/02/most-entertaining-diversion.html
For information on Human Rights and Freedom of Expression look at Article 19's site here http://www.article19.org/
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6 comments:
Some interesting reading for you:
After Police Relent, Bloggers Get Press Credentials.
Quote:
“This step recognizes that bloggers are 21st-century journalists,” Mr. Siegel, a noted civil liberties lawyer.
Dan.
Thanks for that very informative link. This is just the start of it.As I (or any member of the public) have to apply for permission to video any Scrutiny meeting at least 3 days before the meeting, I/we need to be on their mailing list to know when the meetings are taking place.
I have e-mailed a request to Scrutiny to be put on their mailing list and they haven't replied.
This is yet another discriminatory law or policy our esteemed States members have dreamed up and will only enevitably end up giving Bloggers Journalistic status and expose our esteemed leaders for what they are.
This is without even mentioning how they appear to have upheld a complaint against me without giving me any kind of a fair hearing or any avenue for appeal or even telling me what the complaint is or who made it!!
Blogging is here and here to stay. The sooner these clowns accept that fact the sooner they can stop coming up with these embarassing (for them) policies.
MARIO LUNDY
Why do you bother doing this. No one cares.
Why all this fuss about Lloyds advising Tax Evasion. i entertained a German journalist this Summer who walked into a Bank in St Helier, opened an account, put money into it and was actually advised on how to avoid the withholding Tax!!
So what's new?
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