The government of Cabo Verde intends to revise the statutes of the national communication corporation, RTC, to ensure journalists are part of the administration of public communication. This was announced by Minister of Social Communication, Clóvis Silva, during his first official visit to the island of São Vicente, where the capital, Mindelo, is located. The move aims to guarantee that decisions regarding public communication are made with the input of journalists.
Minister Silva emphasized that the role of administering public communication should not be held by politicians, but rather by professionals in the field. He stressed that journalists must be involved in decision-making processes regarding the management of public communication. This change is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the public communication sector is managed effectively and independently.
The proposed new model for RTC foresees greater autonomy from the government. Under this model, the state, as the owner, will be represented in a General Assembly, followed by an Independent Council and a Management Council responsible for the system's management. This structure aims to provide a clear separation of roles and ensure that RTC operates with a degree of independence.
According to Minister Silva, a proposal for statutory changes has already been drafted and is awaiting scheduling for discussion in the Council of Ministers. The government is also working to provide RTC and the news agency Inforpress with better working conditions, tailored to the needs of each entity. This move is part of a broader effort to strengthen the public communication sector.
In addition to changes in the public communication sector, the government is also focusing on the private sector. Plans are underway to create mechanisms that will allow for legal and predictable financing of private media, particularly through the regulation of state advertising. This is expected to provide a more stable and transparent environment for private media outlets.
The involvement of journalists in the administration of public communication is seen as a key aspect of this reform. By including professionals from the sector in decision-making processes, the government aims to ensure that public communication is managed effectively and serves the public interest. The proposed changes are expected to enhance the credibility and independence of RTC.
The government's plans for the communication sector have been welcomed by some as a positive step towards greater transparency and professionalism. However, the implementation of these changes will require careful consideration of various factors, including the need for independence and the role of the state in the communication sector. The outcome of these efforts will be closely watched by stakeholders in Cabo Verde.
Key points
- The government of Cabo Verde plans to include journalists in the administration of public communication.
- The proposed changes aim to provide greater autonomy to RTC.
- The government also plans to regulate state advertising to support the private media sector.
