TV license bill fails to fulfill task

An institution-level shake-up of how television broadcasters operate and how their licenses are issued was long overdue.

While reform in this crucial area was absolutely necessary, the draft bill that the government has submitted to Parliament for deliberation is completely out of date and out of touch with reality. It is designed as though it is addressing the needs of the previous century rather than this one, with little consideration for the huge changes in technology between then and now.

The limit set on the number of operating licenses that can be issued as well as other regulations in the bill also point toward a clear effort to manipulate the content of television broadcasts in favor of “friendly forces.”

Sure, the media could use a shake-up but this bill that has been put before lawmakers is not honest about its aims.