Independent Media Commission Act, 2000
The Act establishing the Independent Media Commission to regulate the media and promote press freedom and standards in Sierra Leone.
Summary
The Independent Media Commission Act, 2000 established the Independent Media Commission (IMC) as the statutory body to regulate the media in Sierra Leone and to promote media freedom together with professional and ethical standards.
The Act provided for the Commission's composition and functions, including the registration of newspapers and broadcasters, the administration of a media code of practice, and the handling of complaints against media houses. It aimed to balance a free press with accountability and responsibility. It was amended in 2006 and 2007 and later superseded by the Independent Media Commission Act, 2020.
Main provisions
- Establishes the Independent Media Commission.
- Provides for its composition and functions.
- Provides for the registration of media institutions.
- Administers a media code of practice and handles complaints.
- Balances press freedom with accountability (later replaced by the 2020 Act).