US embassy cable - 05KINSHASA127

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000127 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, KPAO, KDEM, CG 
SUBJECT: HIGH MEDIA AUTHORITY SUSPENDS TELEVSION PROGRAM 
"FORUM DES MEDIAS" FOR THIRTY DAYS 
 
REFERENCES: A) 04 KINSHASA 2327 
 
            B) 04 KINSHASA 2279 
 
1. (SBU) On January 13, the High Media Authority (HAM) 
suspended the television program "Forum des Medias" for 
thirty days.  In announcing the suspension, the HAM remarked 
that this program has "proved to be in violation of ethical 
standards set out under the terms and conditions of its own 
contract."  The HAM also referred to a letter it sent to 
Congolese National Radio/Television (RTNC) management on May 
19, 2004 in which it recommended that RTNC bring "Forum des 
Medias" into line with its contract and limit its 
irresponsible reporting, which has been condemned by many 
viewers. 
 
2. (SBU) "Forum des Medias" has also come under criticism 
from groups such as Journalists in Danger (JED) and 
Reporters without Frontiers (RSF).  On May 14, 2004 JED and 
RSF released a joint letter denouncing "Forum des Medias" 
"dangerous extremism" and "incitements to murder and ethnic 
discrimination."  According to a statement from JED released 
on January 19, "Forum des Medias" is a "controversial 
program in which `guests' are invited each week to discuss 
the issues of the day.  Over the last few months, the 
program . has become a breeding ground for fanaticisms of 
every kind." 
 
3. (SBU) On December 19 and 26 "Forum des Medias" devoted a 
large part of its program to making irresponsible and 
unfounded allegations against the U.S. (Ref A), although 
this was almost certainly not a factor in the suspension of 
the program. 
 
4. (SBU) COMMENT. "Forum des Medias" is a disreputable and 
sometimes dangerous program, pushing hard-line extremist 
positions that have occasionally approached the level of 
"hate media".  While the HAM's suspension of the program may 
have been the right decision given local circumstances, it 
takes place in the broader context of the HAM's attempts to 
control the Congolese media (Ref B).  Post will continue to 
closely monitor the status of "Forum des Medias" and the 
activities of the HAM.  We will also continue to engage the 
President and the staff of the HAM and to convey our views 
on the importance of developing free and responsible media 
and an open media environment in the DRC. END COMMENT. 
 
5. (U) Bujumbura minimize considered. 
 
MEECE