Somali National Federal Media Strategy

2016 - 2020

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents 1

List of Acronyms 2

Summary of the Strategy 3

1 INTRODUCTION 5

2 PURPOSE 5

3 CONSULTATION THROUGH SOMALI OWNED PROCESS 7 4 MEDIA IN SOMALIA 7

Somali Media Priorities 8

Training 8

Resources 8

Security 9

Regional Media 9

Media Legislation 10

ICT and Media Convergence 11

5 MEDIA STAKEHOLDERS 12

Media Operators 12

6 AIMS 15

7 KEY ISSUES 16

SWOT Analysis 17

8 STRATEGY INITIATIVES 17

9 STRATEGIC MEDIA DEVELOPMENT GOALS 18

Supporting legal framework 18

Strengthening capacity 19

Development of Public Service Ethos in Media 20

Media Security 20

Cross-cutting initiatives 21

10 STRATEGY GUIDE 21

11 ANNEXES 22

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List of Acronyms

FGS Federal Government of Somalia

FRS Federal Republic of Somalia

IPDC International Programme for the Development of Communication

MDI Media Development Indicators

MoI Ministry of Information

MPT Ministry of Post and Telecommunication

NMC National Media Council

PSB Public Service Broadcasting

PSG Peace and Stability Goals

SC Somali Compact

SMSG Somali Media Support Group

SJC Somali Journalists’ Committee

TFG Transitional Federal Government

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

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SUMMARY OF THE STRATEGY

Somalia Media Strategy Objectives The purpose of the Federal Somalia Media Strategy is to provide a comprehensive framework that will strengthen and guide the development of Somali media. The aim of this objective is to unify the effort of Somalia federal Ministry of Information, State ministries of Information, Media associations and all Somali journalists and International media support partners to improve skills, security and Somalia media development, program production qualities and to protect journalist including financial security Period of the Strategy: This strategy is 5 years strategy to 2016-2020.The strategy looks forward over a five-year period. A comparison of the Somalia of five years ago in 2011 with the start of 2016 shows the extent of change that can be expected in the coming five years. Taking this into account, the strategy therefore addresses the principles and potential for Somali media, outlining in more detail a draft work plan for 2016 but establishing values and ideologies that will guide media development for the entire period, and beyond. The aims of the strategy are described: to provide a framework and guiding principles for media stakeholders; to support the application of media legislation; to provide the framework within which the international community can recognize and support the media’s role in the pursuit of peace-building and stability. The Strategy is to:

• Provide guiding principles for the Federal and regional governments, private,

public / state media and media associations and International media supporters. The strategy establishes a framework for these stakeholders, identifying priorities for Somali media development. It addresses the needs of the industry itself and also identifies the ways in which media must support Somali society, the political and developing democratic process and the wider development of Somali structures and institutions.

Key issues need to be improved:

1. Low level of skills/uncertain understanding of journalism 2. Lack of resources/support 3. Poor business models 4. Lack of coordination 5. Lack of editorial policy 6. Content writing and developing 7. Somalia media code of conduct 8. Safety of journalists and financial security 9. To improve quality of media houses production

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10. Self-censorship 11. Lack of academic/vocational media training This strategy underlines the importance of the journalists training to produce quality programs. 1 Training 2 Resources/ equipment 3 Improved security 4 Implementation of media law

Implementation of the strategy The implementation of this strategy will be responsible for the Federal government, regional states, private, public / state media, media associations and International partners. The federal ministry of Information loaded the key role that international partners other key stakeholder played for the drafting of this Somalia media development strategy. The ministry of Information, culture and tourism of Somalia on behalf of all Somalia media stakeholders is willing from the International media support organizations and donor countries to play key role for the implementation and completion of this strategy.

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1 INTRODUCTION Somalis are an oral society and they like listening radios and watching TV. Since the independence of Somalia in 1960, the country has been listening to radio Hargeisa, which started under the British colonial power in 1942 and radio Mogadishu, which started under the colonial power in 1951. There were a few newspapers in the Italian language, such as Corriera Della Somalo and English Somali News. After 1960 when the country gained independence, radio Mogadishu continued to function with transmission on short wave. Radio Hargeisa was also established as a branch of radio Mogadishu, both owned by the government. Even colonial powers realised the importance of media in Somalia, witnessed by the subsequent formation of UK’s BBC Somali Service. Between 1960 to 1969 Radio Mogadishu and Radio Hargeisa became the voice of all Somalis including the broadcast of opposition group information and as a result became the most listened radios in Somalia. This showed the maturity of Somalia’s democratic understanding. 1969 saw the end of democratic parties and the military ruled the country with Radio Mogadishu and Radio Hargeisa becoming the voice of the government. In 1991 the civil war started. After the collapse of the Military regime in 1991, the media began to flourish with more newspapers and FM radio stations established in Somalia. Since 1999 the country witnessed more private radios, and this is the era of the boom of private media in Somalia. With the establishment of the Federal Government of Somalia in 2012, federal state media has developed and is now a part of the current Somali media environment. Somali on-line media has also developed with a vibrant web site and social media community. 2 PURPOSE The purpose of the strategy is to provide a comprehensive framework that will strengthen and guide the development of Somali media. It will unify the effort of Somalia Federal Ministry of Information, State Ministries of Information, media associations and all Somali journalists and International media support partners to: improve skills, security, Somalia media development, program production qualities and to protect journalist including financial security The strategy is based in Somali legislation, in particular Article18 of the provisional Somali constitution and the Somali Federal media law and recognises the aspirations articulated in the international media and freedom of expression principles and protocols, including Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It identifies media status with all its difficulties, but also looks at the ways in which the media can develop and will provide a sound and legitimate function, contributing to overall Somali development. The media sustainability and development advocated in the strategy will seek to ensure the rights of Somali citizens to the exercise of freedom of expression. Media has far-reaching impact in all areas of society and its development will assist

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administrations, institutions and civil society and thereby contribute to the continued stabilisation identified in the Somali Compact and the national priorities for peace and state building. To advocate for Somali media development requires a common understanding of the purpose of media. The strategy recognises that a developed media will provide acknowledged and necessary social and political functions. Media supports society by strengthening good governance and peace building and is essential to the political process by providing oversite, political information and a platform for public dialogue and debate. One of the five Peace and Statebuilding Goals (PSGs) identified in the Somali Compact is to “…achieve a stable and peaceful Federal Somalia through inclusive political processes.” A balanced, free, pluralistic and independent media is essential to this goal, providing for an informed population so that democratic decisions can be made with realistic knowledge and informed choices.

Additional to this PSG 1, the practical pursuit of all peace and state-building goals of the Somali Compact requires a robust and functioning media that provides a service for its audience and does not simply answer to ideological, political or private-financial interests.

Underpinning the PSGs are the concepts of peace and reconciliation. Communication among and interconnecting the Somali communities are the networks that will connect Somali society to these concepts. The Somali media plays a major role in that regard. It will:

1 provide oversight and public information on the political processes. 2 provide for civic engagement and civic education , encouraging political

pluralism and providing a platform for political and public comment, thereby fulfilling its essential part in the democratic process to which the FGS aspires.

3 establish and encourage ethical and objective reporting The Strategy is to:

• Confirm the guiding principles of the Federal Government and regional states, private, public / state-media and media associations. It establishes a framework and identifies priorities, addressing the needs of the industry itself and identifying the ways in which media supports Somali society.

• Refer to the Federal media legislation, providing guidance that will maximise the support that the media law will give to media freedom, freedom of speech and the principles identified in Article 18 of the Provisional Constitution.

• Serve as a framework for coordination and cooperation on media development issues among governments, media operators and associations, media support organisations and the donor community.

• Strengthen coordination among all media sector actors at federal and state levels on issues related to the media development.

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• Provide a framework through which the international community can engage with and support the process of media development, recognising the ways in which media is an essential component in all Somali development

3 CONSULTATION THROUGH SOMALI OWNED PROCESS In preparation of this strategy consultations have taken place between October 2015 to January 2016, engaging with media stakeholders in Jubaland, South West, Galmudug and Puntland as well as in Mogadishu. Recent coordination and cooperation agreements among the Federal and State Ministries of Information have established a cooperative approach which this strategy has followed. It reflects the importance of all actors in Somali media, and acknowledges the Federal structure of the political administration. In November 2015 a National Conference was convened by the Ministry of Information of the Federal Government of Somalia which led to the agreement of coordination and cooperation amongst all media stakeholders in Somalia including private media, Ministers from Federal member States, media representatives, and international partners. The outcome of the conference included the urgent need to devise a National Media Strategy. As a result of this, a Media Strategy Conference was convened in January 2016 by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism with all Federal and regional stakeholders participating. This process of comprehensive consultation has informed the development of this strategy and ensured that it is routed in the Somalia context and reflects the Somali media status and needs. Augmenting this approach the strategy has used internationally recognised indicators including the UNESCO Media Development Indicators to assist in assessing key elements of the status of media in Somalia, the services it provides and the influences that bear upon it. Indicators have also been used to identify development goals for the coming five-year period. 4 MEDIA IN SOMALIA There are similarities and differences in media in the different states, but the similarities are striking, with most emanating from the same generic problems of inexperience, lack of exposure to international standards, absence of established professional media education and the wider problems of undeveloped business acumen and finance. Detail is shown in the SWOT Analysis. Among many practitioners, media is thought of as an instrument to be used for the benefit of the controlling authority resulting in the failure to recognise its unique role as a partner in socio-economic and political development. Mass media in Somalia began with the first colonial powers, which, introducing radio to the territories under their control provided a vivid example of media as a tool through which to exercise power, rather than for the beneficial purposes now recognised. Responsible media is best demonstrated by professionalism and the representation of all voices, reporting on issues in a balanced and fair manner, but the Somali media has struggled towards this ideal and there has been a lack of progressive, democratic and rights based media policies. This environment has limited the understanding of

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media for some practitioners and policy makers and provided bad examples for new entrants to the industry. Poorly resourced operational conditions do not help to raise professionalism. A low level of financial management skill in the media that is operating within a struggling financial climate does not provide the basis for a stable industry. Journalists are paid low or non-existent salaries and some will seek unethical ways of making an income using their “voice” that reaches a mass audience. This is counter to all accepted standards of journalism and media, but not un-common. Within this chronic environment, it is a testament to the dedication of the media operators that do nevertheless operate professionally. It is their continued development, the raising of standards generally, and the understanding of the unique role and responsibilities that are part of all media operations, which this strategy aims to support. SOMALI MEDIA PRIORITIES During preparatory consultation all media actors in all states expressed the same needs:

5 Training/capacity building 6 Resources/equipment 7 Improved security 8 Overall capacity development and improvement in programs

The expression of these common needs provides a guide for support to the Somali media sector and indicators for policy development, but should be considered in the broader media development context. Training Capacity building is needed among all media stakeholders, including all media workers, media associations and the regulating authorities that will be monitoring operational standards and applying legislation. Policy makers also need the capacity to appreciate media and its roles as well as to understand their obligations to promote media through democratic policies and laws. For media to thrive all the stakeholders need to move forward in parallel with a common understanding of the function and responsibilities of the media sector, and each other. The need for training is clear and should be applied in a researched, ordered and coordinated way, involving the training support bodies including NGOs, IGOs and international organisations, consulting media practitioners. It is an area where the International Community can unify its approach, drawing on experience of media development in some countries and of best media practise in others. Resources Resources and equipment, rightly identified by all stakeholders as a serious need, should be sought as part of a coordinated approach to overall media support. Technical resources should provide the facilities needed for the professional implementation of editorial policy and programme requirements and cannot be considered as a disconnected capacity. This does not, however, ignore the current

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level of technical operation that is often of poor quality, nor the under-resourced production and administration facilities of some media operators. Increased technical facilities will require additional training so that the journalists can implement the editorial and stylistic approach that additional resources will facilitate, and for operational staff to ensure professional and proper use. Security Media needs a secure environment if it is to fulfil its function and many factors need to be addressed. Security is a chronic issue for all media in Somalia. Targeted attacks are not restricted to journalists or editorial decision makers but all media workers. Impunity of the perpetrators is a serious problem with most attacks unresolved. Most attacks are attributed to al-Shabaab, but some have been thought to be instigated by other interest groups in an attempt to prevent investigative journalism or revelations of bad practise. A higher degree of professionalism in the media would systemise investigative journalism ensuring impartiality, more institutional support and providing a safer environment. The media law provides a structure of regulation, which is essential for operational security for the media. Such an identifiable and consistent regulatory framework will help the media to carry out its business without fear of arbitrary restrictions placed upon it by the variety of security and other authorities that have taken action against the media. Media training in the context of security should include capacity building for these authorities where an understanding is needed of the rationale, function and regulation of Somali media. Training programs can provide individuals with a safer approach to their work and improved safety skills but these need to be recognised by proprietors and managers so that the individuals are able to implement them. Some assignments given to media workers have been reported to endanger the individuals carrying them out. Financial security will provide for a safer environment for media workers, improving professionalism and reducing pressure for inappropriate or abusive practise. Thus the needs identified in the consultations of training, resources and security are inter-dependent and should be addressed in a coordinated program of media support. REGIONAL MEDIA Commonly expressed needs do not mean that media in all states are at the same level of development. In Mogadishu there are more than 30 radio stations sharing the FM band between 87.5 MHz and 106.6 MHz, most of them also providing streaming on their website. Other non-broadcast websites provide news, comment and specialised content, and

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television continues to increase in popularity in recent years with terrestrial, satellite and digital terrestrial transmissions available. In the federal states, the media development reflects the time that the state has been formed with the longer established Puntland State of Somalia having a more developed media that the other, newer states. However, the approach to media tends to be similar, with state / public-media providing a means for government to communicate directly with its population and private media augmenting this in numbers controlled either by the government or by resources available to establish and sustain operations. There is little coordination among them. On line and social media is vibrant in Somalia, as far as internet connectivity allows, reflecting the culture of active political and social interests. In addition to the on-line presence of conventional media there are many Somali news and information websites and exchange portals. The current media profile has established without any legislated media regulation. Technically, the frequency regulation catered for under the Communication Act has to date been managed by trial and error with broadcasters adjusting their transmission frequency if coincident interference is reported. Editorial policy and application of journalistic standards has been left to the broadcast decision-makers and there are no commonly held standards, although attempts have been made to establish operational codes and journalistic ethics. Editorial approaches are often based on ideological, political or financial interest, but also influenced by al-Shabaab applying its own ideology by restricting media freedom with attacks on media operators and journalists. There are also ad-hoc interventions by a variety of more established authorities, which on occasions make unilateral assessment of content and take actions against individual journalists and media organisations. These external forces pose a significant threat to media freedom in the Somali states. MEDIA LEGISLATION A Federal media law was drafted in 2007, beginning the media legislative process under the TFG. Under the representative FGS a new draft was prepared in 2013 and developed through a comprehensive consultative process over an 18 month period. It was approved by the council of Minister and submitted to Parliament in September 2014. On 28th of December 2015 the parliament overwhelmingly approved the media law and the President issued a decree on 9th January by which it was ratified. This was one of the few Somali laws to be consulted outside of Parliament with discussion and debate including media operators, associations, NGOs and civil society, as well as government. Among the provisions of the media law is the establishment of a media regulator, the “Somali Journalists’ Committee” Given the status of media in Somalia and the strong interests and influences that are brought to bear upon it the SJC needs to be robust, independent and competent. This is a necessity in any media environment but will be particularly important in the preparation and campaigning for the transition of Federal power, scheduled for August 2016, with expectations of close monitoring

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and possible pressure from political interests during this period. This important political event early in the period for which the strategy is prepared will test the media. The way in which the SJC and media respond will have an impact upon the application of the strategy and media legislation in the years that follow. The relationship between the MoI and SJC, which are the authorities responsible for content, and the telecommunications regulator, providing technical licensing, is the subject of discussion between the Ministries of Information, Culture and Tourism, and of Post and Telecommunication. Article 33 of the Media Law refers to Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) describing the protection of a legal framework for an editorially independent service. Some of the conditions it identifies provide a useful framework for the development of all Somali media referring to principles such as editorial and political independence, supported by independent financing, and objective and politically free programming.

The media law has a direct impact on the structure and external regulation of Somali media and its ability to operate. Other legislation that will be part of the country’s re-emergence as a functioning state will also affect the media, providing protection and tools with which it can be improved and expanded areas of operation. Freedom of information legislation, the procurement law, employment law, trade and tariff regulations, the structured processes of communication among federal and state authorities and laws that increase accountability and transparency will all enhance the scope of Somali media. Other laws have been seen to have a negative impact on the media. Restrictions have been placed upon it in the name of national security by government authorities referring to national security, in order to close media operators and detain media workers. A coordination program to establish the jurisdiction of these laws and the media law, of the security authorities and the media regulator, is a necessity. Policies and legislation on gender are likely to impact on the role of women in media. Plans to mainstream gender equality concerns into the national development processes will change the way women take part in Somali media, and the ways in which women are reported in the media. Increased legislature and institutional capacity will require an increase in media capacity. As laws that impact on the media are developed and harmonised, so will the requirement for the media to understand its responsibilities and operate within the laws. The media will also need to develop skills to assess and report on increasingly complex issues with journalistic and ethical skills. ICT and Media Convergence A significant increase in ICT capacity in Somalia is anticipated during the period of this strategy, accelerating the trend of media convergence the challenges that will need to be addressed. As with other infrastructures in Somalia, the low level of ICT operations in recent times provides the potential for rapid and high quality development. In 2014 a spur from the Indian Ocean fibre optic cable was landed in Mogadishu providing good,

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reliable connection at a price far reduced from the satellite connections used until that time. Government and private expansion plans anticipate extension of this connectivity, with additional connections from border territories to the north and west of Somalia. As connectivity extends to a larger part of the Somali population on-line media operations are likely to expand. Print and broadcast media, much of which run parallel publications on web sites, can increase their on-line content and will be accessible in locations that are difficult to reach by terrestrial transmission. Operating independently of conventional media the many stand-alone web publishers can expand the volume and scope of their operations and many new operations are likely to establish. This expansion of media through ICT development will provide greater opportunities for audience interaction and more media outlets, but it comes with some challenges. The lack of skills among journalists and content decision makers of structured conventional media is noted. With the opportunities provided by ICT media citizen journalism is likely to challenge the quality of journalism further, with ill-informed and partial opinions gaining a publicly accessible platform. On-line publishers can operate from any location and thus can move outside of the jurisdiction of national legislation. Regulation can only be imposed by complex and resource-intensive technology that does not offer the scope for content examination, but simply controls overall access. While an increase in ICT capacity will provide a significant national development opportunity, the particular challenges it will bring to the media sector cannot be ignored. 5 MEDIA STAKEHOLDERS There are many stakeholders that have an interest in the media sector, and therefore in this strategy. The media does not operate in a vacuum but is responsive to as well as influences the environment in which it functions, with responsibilities incumbent upon each stakeholder to play their part in development and the fulfilment of citizen rights. Media Operators In Somalia the stakeholders include the media operators, which are referred to as “state” or “private”, but international media development indicators also refer to “public” and “community” media. The current media law specifically states under article 33 that the current state-media will soon become the Public Service Broadcaster. They can be described as follows: State Media / Public Service Media

SM - Mass communication providing a means for the government to communicate with the general population. Its editorial and management policy is controlled by the government and generally financed from government funds, although receives assistance from the donor community. PSB - Media operated on behalf of the population and

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representing all voices providing a service of objective information. It is typically supported by a combination of public and private funding.

Private Media Commercial or privately funded media, operating as a business to generate financial profit and/or to provide a platform for the dissemination of socio-economic, political, ideological or financial interest.

Community Media

Created/operated/serving a community, defined either geographically or as is increasingly possible with social media, by interest. It is usually a non-profit form of media.

State media meets one of the requirements of the FGS, which is contending with conflict and post conflict conditions and striving to build authority, institutions and confidence, in the country that until 2012 was without a permanent representative administration. The Somali governments’ needs to communicate with the population at Federal and state levels are met by the operations of radio and television broadcasting. In the sense that they provide public information state broadcasters provide a public service, but being under the editorial control of the government rather than editorially independent they cannot be described as “Public Service Media”. However, state media is a significant actor in the Somali media landscape and it is realistic to identify it as a discrete category in this Somali media strategy, even if not identified in some international media references. The existence of state media means that the government is in the unusual position of being both the authority that provides legislation for all media and also a media stakeholder as one of the media operators. Contrasting with state media, PSB is described in Article 33 of the Somali media law. There are several ways in which PSB can be developed, but the initial discussion recommended is how far the Federal and state governments wish to transform state media into public service media, and what other systems can be applied to realise Article 33 of the Media Law. The majority of media operators in Somalia are private media. The proprietor, usually working from a financial, ideological or political interest, establishes the editorial approach but as with state media, private media can often provide a public service. For the same reasons of editorial control, however, it too fails to qualify as a generic public interest media. For the purposes of this strategy social media is also considered “private”. It can be controlled by a diversity of interests, some supporting and some completely counter to public service. Community media has not developed extensively in Somalia. It usually refers to media that is created by and/or caters to a specialised interest group and addresses a small “community” brought together by that interest. In Somalia community media could address interests such as farming, gender issues, culture, or social-interest groups. Community media has developed among Somali diaspora communities, the common interest often being Somali ethnicity. With online and social media,

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community media no longer needs to be geographically limited by the location of its participants. Individual Stakeholders and Associations In addition to the organisations operating media the practitioners working within the media are essential stakeholders. These include the often referred to journalists, editors and content decision makers, but equally important are the technicians, general managers, financial managers and planners who are all necessary and influential in media operation and sustainability. Federal and state level associations represent individual media practitioners and media operators. These communities, civil organisations and non-government actors form another group of stakeholders and are important to media development planning. Somali Citizen The rights-based approach to media development is articulated in this strategy and among all stakeholders the Somali citizen – the “audience” – is recognised. Their needs are to be met, providing access to freedom of speech, fulfilling Article 18 of the Somali provisional constitution and international conventions. International Community The stabilisation and regeneration of Somalia has been supported by the International community. This support has been significant to the Somali media with direct provisions being made by the AU, UN, EU, many bi-lateral initiatives from individual donor states, a significant number of NGOs and other international media support organisations. The on-going support of the international community is necessary and logical, recognising that media is both a legitimate sector in its own right and plays an essential role in the broader context. Somali Media and this strategy are internally generated and managed, but the International Community plays an critical role and is also a beneficiary of Somali media development.

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6 AIMS The aims of the strategy are described: to provide a framework and guiding principles for media stakeholders; to develop the Somali media so that it can play an effective role in the development of Somali society; maximise the impact of the media law and other media policies in enhancing media freedom and professionalism, guided by local needs and international media standards; to provide the framework within which the international community can recognise and support freedom of expression in the media and the media’s role in the pursuit of peace-building, stability and development; to recognise citizens’ rights to freedom of expression through a pluralistic independent, professional and sustainable media institutions. The strategy looks forward over a five-year period from 2016 to 2020. A comparison of the Somalia of five years ago in 2011 with the start of 2016 shows the extent of change that can be expected in the coming five years. Taking this into account, the strategy therefore addresses the principles and potential for Somali media, focusing on the status in 2016 but establishing values and ideologies that will guide media development for the entire period, and beyond. Guiding principles have been referenced in establishing the development of the framework, acknowledging Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which were agreed in 1966 and have been in force from 1976. The Covenant commits parties to respect, among others, the right to freedom of speech, opinion, expression and information, describing the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds. The parties to the Covenant include Somalia, which ratified it in 1990 under an administration that the FGS would rightfully claim to far exceed in its aspirations of

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good governance. The freedoms in the Covenant are expressed in Article 18 of the Somali Provisional Constitution. Media Development Indicators In addition, UNESCO’s Media Development Indicators (MDI) are referenced. These are used in countries around the world to identify specific needs in guiding media-related policies and improving media development efforts. They specify:

a) A system of regulation conducive to freedom of expression, pluralism and diversity of the media;

b) Plurality and diversity of media, a level economic playing field and transparency of ownership.

c) Media as a platform for democratic discourse. d) Professional capacity building and supporting institutions that underpins

freedom of expression, pluralism and diversity. e) Infrastructural capacity is sufficient to support independent and pluralistic

media. 7 KEY ISSUES All stakeholders identified the three urgent needs of media of training, equipment and security, but further in-depth discussion identified a more detailed picture of Somali media. The common concerns and expectations are represented in a SWOT analysis grid (following page), which in addition to showing the main heading also indicates internal and external influences.

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SWOT Analysis - Somali Media I N T E R N A L

Strengths 1. Variety of media platforms 2. Specialised media 3. Enthusiasm to work in media 4. Media/journalists’ associations 5. Recognition of differences

between state and private media

6. Consultations/inclusivity in media development initiatives

7. Somalis are an active, oral society

Weaknesses 12. Low level of skills/uncertain

understanding of journalism 13. Lack of resources/support 14. Poor business models 15. Lack of coordination within and

among the media, international partners and government sectors

16. Lack of common needs between media stake holders

17. Lack of editorial policies 18. Self-censorship 19. Lack of media

academic/vocational media training

20. Lack of proper strategies and mechanisms to cater for the security of media workers

E X T E R N A L

Opportunities 1. Ratification of the Somali

Constitution, including article 18 2. Clarification expected with the

coming media and telecoms laws

3. Further legislation that will assist journalism and media operations

4. Discussions on Public and Community media

5. Keen public appetite for news and information

6. Federal/state cooperation 7. Continuing expansion of TV 8. Expansion of mobile and web

connectivity: on-line/web-based media

9. International support for Somalia to include media

10. Political will of the MoI

Threats 1. Security: attacks with impunity,

financial 2. Powerful external interests,

influencing media content and approaches

3. Random government approaches in dealing with and acting against media and journalists.

4. Poor understanding of the role of media among Somali governments

5. Distrust of media from a different Somali state (or from outside Somalia)

6. Unbalanced support at federal and state levels

7. Analogue broadcast systems, yet to achieve digitisation

8 STRATEGY INITIATIVES In the period of preparation for this strategy Somali media is at a critical stage: the Media Law establishes specific regulation and the Somali Journalists’ Committee; the opportunity to plan for Public Service Media is imminent; political changes will

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require media oversight of the preparation and execution of transition of political power. On-going, the Federal system of government continues with devolved authority to the Somali Federal States, which brings the corresponding requirements of regional media and the need for greater country-wide coordination. Logistically, training and resources remain critical. Operationally media security continues to be an acute problem. At the same time, there is an acknowledgement of the need for an independent and strong media, recognising the contributions that it will make to state building and general Somali development. The National Coordination and Cooperation Conference held in November 2015 has established a new and cooperative approach among media stakeholders, which can be harnessed to pursue these goals. 9 STRATEGIC MEDIA DEVELOPMENT GOALS

1 Supporting further development and implementation of media legal framework

Recent achievements in media legislation have been significant and mark a maturation point for the Federal Government. Coordination with other media-related laws at the federal and state level, provides for the emergence of the framework for ethical media operation. However, legislation for media and other related sectors is an on-going process that needs a continuous review to refine, augment and revise. This needs to be recognised in the Media Strategy, advocating for continuing review of all legislation that impacts upon media so that the laws meet the needs of functioning and ethical, rights based media practise. Somali media legislation should be based on international best practise. As with technical developments where Somalia is able to use the most advanced systems that have been evolved by other practitioners, so with media legislation the internationally developed principles for media regulation should be adopted for Somali media. Objectives are to establish and maintain best media and media related legislation that facilitates diversity, freedom of expression and support to the democratic discourse. Somali Journalists’ Committee The media law devolves many responsibilities to the SJC, which will be an important and authoritative body in the application of the media law and other legislation, those impacts upon media. Support will be needed for the SJC in two ways:

a. Technically, providing mentoring and training for best practise in i. Establishing a regulatory model, coordinating with other federal

and state authorities

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ii. Licensing and monitoring b. Logistically, establishing administrative resources

Objectives: The SJC will be the body that applies articles of the media law. Assistance will enable the individual members to gain a professional understanding of these requirements, responsibilities and obligations. The committee will need to apply international standards of freedom of speech and media freedom in the undeveloped media climate described, working with all media stakeholders, which have differing levels of competency and different agenda. Assistance is advocated with the appointment of international media regulation experts consulting with the Committee and preparing two main contributions. Firstly, a model of operation for the Committee, providing a system of internal and stakeholder liaison and establishing a structure that defines aims, criteria and levels of authority. The second contribution is anticipated in the provision of licensing frameworks, which can be used with each media operator. They will be developed to match the specific requirements of the Somali media dynamics, but with internationally recognised systems and standards. Support at this level will provide a good precedent for future legislation support. Assistance will also likely in the development of other areas of legislative framework that will impact upon media. 2 Strengthening the capacity of media operators, workers, institutions and stakeholders

a. Media operators: journalists managers technicians b. Media associations c. Stakeholders: Federal and state governments, legislators, civil society, individual citizens. Objectives: to establish an on-going and coordinated capacity building plan that systematically meets the needs of media and citizens in all regions. The plan will build upon the training work carried out in recent years, benefiting from this experience and examining how on-going training and development requirements can best be met under existing and new training support. All training should develop from a base of ethical practice and recognition of the media code of conduct. Training should provide for gender issues to be recognised in both media operation and editorial content, along with other diversity issues, which can inspire social and economic progress and vibrant communities. Training resources should be coordinated, confirming an equitable balance among Somali journalists by location and media type, and at the same time ensuring appropriate subjects for training. This should include technical, managerial and media business training as well as journalism. It is important that editorial decision

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makers are included in the training programs so that managerial policy will allow journalistic development to be practised as well as learned. The development of political campaign reporting will be essential in the first year of this strategy, and will provide an essential on-going media standard. The journalistic skills, ethical standards and freedom of expression to produce responsible coverage will be needed for media to be effective during the 2016 election campaigning as well as providing objective coverage of the transition of power. Development of and among media associations and representative organisations will encourage greater interaction among media stakeholders and help to establish overall standards, assessment and self-regulation systems. Self-regulation can provide guidance to media operators and access for public engagement and interaction, thereby enhancing public credibility. Engagement with the developing community of on-line media is advocated, to establish codes of conduct and standards. 3 Development of Public Service Ethos in Media To provide a public service operating on behalf of the public rather than other interests is one of the roles of media. Existing media operators are providing this service to some degree but there is no current operation that meets the overall description as internationally recognised and as described in the Somali Media Law. Objectives: to assist in the understanding and practise of an ethos of public service in media, providing for the needs and interests of Somali society. The concept of Somali Public Service media has long been discussed but with the passage of the media law planning can begin. Internationally accepted definitions of public media will be established. Assessment will be made of existing broadcasters that might participate in this new concept in Somalia. Operational aspects to be considered will include editorial independence, national representation, universal access and a financing system, anticipated to include some form public funding but without compromise of editorial independence. Public media should be established under international standards and is anticipated to include capacity building for participating media. It will provide a public service of news and information and social, developmental and entertainment programs. Some current broadcast services and resources could become part of the initial establishment of Somali public media. 4 Media Security For media to be free to provide the function required of it, a secure environment is essential. Objectives: to create an environment where media can operate free from physical, political, economic and professional insecurity. This strategy aims to create a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers to assist in strengthening peace, democracy and development.

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Factors contributing to the lack of media security are not limited to physical security, although this is the most extreme. Given the wide range of influences on security a media security working group is advocated, comprising representatives of journalists, media operators, Somali Police Force, Somali National Army, National Intelligence and Security Agency and selected Ministries. The group would be tasked with identifying risks, mitigating factors, and to follow investigation of incidence of violence or intimidation targeted at media workers. Continued development of legislation and mechanisms favourable to freedom of expression and information will also contribute to media security. 5 Cross-cutting initiatives The four initiatives above address specific areas of media development. There are several additional activities that will impact across some or all of these initiatives as well as contributing to overall media capacity building.

• Media Advocacy Providing information and methods by with the Somali citizen will be encouraged to participate and engage with conventional, on-line and interactive media.

• Media Law Advocacy • With the media law in place and a functioning regulatory authority a Federal

Government workshop could be held to advocate and establish the processes to be followed by all government authorities regarding any issues relating to media. Ethical Code Review of Somali Journalists’ Ethical Code (developed with assistance of the IPDC, journalists and journalists associations) to establish a tangible reference that will support ethical journalism. The journalists’ code can be developed producing a standards’ guide of conduct for all media incorporating editorial, and operational guidelines.

• Operator Coordination Regular media operator meetings can be established to discuss individual strategies and operational cooperation

• Initiative Support International Community and media development donors should be encouraged to identify specific areas for support

• Closer liaison with operations such as the Somali Media Support Group at a federal and state level should assist in coordinating support.

10 STRATEGY GUIDE

The following guidance refers to the application of the strategy, which is anticipated to involve all media stakeholders.

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1 Engagement of the International Community to provide Media Development partnering Media plays an essential role in Somali development, whether that development is defined by the New Deal, the Somali Compact, the PSGs or other initiatives. In so doing, the international community should be engaged and encouraged to support media development, both for the direct benefits and intrinsic contributions it makes to all international interventions. Similarly, it is advocated that the international community recognises media when preparing its development initiatives and strategies. 2. Flexibility and a continued emphasis on strategy development The media situation in Somalia is changing and the strategy therefore needs to be flexible. As the context changes new strategies and activities may also need to be needed. A periodic review of at least 12 months is advocated. 3. Gender and media diversity Media should not intentionally or unintentionally introduce prejudice or intolerance, but encourage fair, accurate and inclusive coverage in order to meet the needs of its audiences and promote understanding. Both in its staff operation and in providing a service for the whole of Somali society gender issues should be recognised and acknowledged in a fair and equitable way. 4 Strategy Secretariat and Work Plan It is advocated that a strategy secretariat is established to assist the implementing stakeholders and provide a network among them. Among the tasks of the secretariat will be the preparation of a work plan, anticipated to be detailed in the earlier period of the strategy and applying principles and regular assessment points as the period proceeds. The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism will provide an update and progress report at regular intervals (anticipated to be every 6 months) for key stakeholders. These will reference the development goals in a tangible and measurable way, using clear indicators of progress. The SMSG will work closely with the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to collate and share the contributions of international partners to the Media Strategy and Somali media development. 11 ANNEXES

1. PSGs 2. Article 33 of the Somali Media Law 3. The November 2015 Ministry of Information Coordination Conference

Communique 4. The agreement signed on 25 November 2015 by the Federal Minister of

Information and Ministers from State members 5. The January 2016 Media Strategy Conference Communique 6. Draft Somali Journalists’ Ethical Code