Statements

RECENT STATEMENTS ISSUED BY THE KBP REGARDING ITS POSITION ON CERTAINS ISSUES

KBP PROTECTS ITS PUBLIC

(The following is a statement of the KBP regarding the strict enforcement of the 18-minute-TV-commercial-load per hour rule among its members issued March 2008 )

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) takes a proactive stance in performing its self-regulatory function through the strict implementation of the 18–minutes-of-commercials-per-hour rule among its member television networks.

The move fulfills KBP’s inherent responsibility as a broadcast media organization to promote the best interest of the public. The 18–minute rule will not only benefit the public but the advertisers as well, as it prevents advertising clutter and makes advertisements more effective.

The KBP is steadfast on the implementation of the rule, and is confident to gain the support and compliance of member networks.

At the forefront KBP’s efforts to promote more responsible broadcasting through self-regulation is the KBP Standards Authority (SA), which is tasked by the KBP’s charter to implement policies, guidelines, standards, and rules and regulations for the operation and discipline of the broadcast media, including advertising standards.

Through the strict implementation of the 18-minute advertising rule and the consistent enforcement practices of the KBP-SA, the KBP hopes to further elevate its role as the country’s sole broadcast self-regulatory body dedicated to the ultimate goal of shaping a truly responsible broadcast media.

KBP: ADVISORY UNWARRANTED

(The following statement was released by the KBP last January 14, 2008 in response to an “advisory” issued by the Department of Justice that media practitioners who “obstruct justice” during coverage of crisis situations may be prosecuted.)

The people have a Constitutionally guaranteed right to information on matters of public concern. In a truly democratic environment, broadcast media will always perform its sworn duty to provide the people news and information responsibly within lawful limitation and without having to be told how we should perform our duty.

SUPREME COURT CIRCULAR WELCOME, BUT LET’S REMAIN VIGILANT

(The KBP issued the following statement last January 21, 2008 after Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno announced that the Court was issuing a circular urging judges to forego imprisonment as punishment for journalists convicted of libel)

We welcome the issuance by the Supreme Court of a circular advising judges that the preferred penalty in libel cases should be fine rather than imprisonment. This decision of the High Court will help in alleviating the anxieties felt by journalists due to the perceives increasing threats against the exercise of free speech and press freedom.

However, we should also guard against a false sense of security by thinking that the circular of the Supreme Court will automatically guarantee the safety of journalists or that they will no longer be subject to threats and harassments.

In short, we should continue to be vigilant.