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The CIArb and Dubai Media City move to increase freedom of speech· Best-practice framework to be applied by Chartered Institute of Arbitrators to adjudicate on media content November 5, 2003 - The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority today announce the launch of the Broadcast and Publishing Standards Tribunal (BPST). This new independent body will adjudicate issues relating to freedom of expression and the suitability of media content produced by companies in the Free Zone (Dubai Media City). The CIArb developed the Tribunal specially and its corresponding 'Codes of Guidance' have been modelled on international best-practice examples. It will provide guidelines to Dubai Media City companies such as CNN, Reuters, McGraw Hill and CNBC regarding the suitability of content they produce and distribute. The Codes are based closely on the Codes published by the Broadcasting Standards Commission and others in the UK. Ahmad Bin Byat, director general of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone commented: "The establishment of the Tribunal will provide a transparent mechanism for determining what is appropriate freedom of expression in areas such as fairness or reporting, privacy and, of course, content generally." The Tribunal will adjudicate only in response to applications made by companies in the Media City or by the Free Zone Authority itself when there is specific uncertainty about content. Applications can be made regarding content already published or content that is yet to be released. Though the Tribunal is primarily for the benefit of the broadcast and publishing sectors - which constitute 45 % of companies in Dubai Media City - the convergence trend in the media industry will make it relevant and applicable to all media sectors. When an issue regarding content is raised, it will go to adjudication for resolution. The adjudication panel comprises of two eminent London-based lawyers, both members of the CIArb - the Rt. Hon. Sir Brian Neill and Jonathan Caplan QC. They have significant experience in media-related issues, having both either sat on or represented parties in high profile media law cases. Whilst acting as adjudicators on the BPST, they will be able to draw upon local advice from a panel of five eminent UAE lawyers. Dair Farrar-Hockley, director general of the CIArb commented: "It
has been very rewarding to work in partnership with the Free Zone
Authority to produce a fair and effective process of private dispute
resolution to further freedom of expression. The adjudicators are
of the highest quality and bring considerable experience, independence
and integrity to a tribunal required to give timely opinions." |
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