25 Nov 07
www.yawningbread.org
A government-linked body has embarked on a review of the regulatory framework over the internet. While the focus of the review seems to be “what to regulate and how to regulate”, there is a sense from those currently being consulted that the aim of this exercise is not liberalisation.
So far, those being consulted appears to be the elite – the “experts”.
There is a need for ordinary bloggers – and filmmakers who intend to put video material on the internet – to get together and organise a submission to the relevant bodies, putting across the perspective of practitioners.
This call for a bloggers’ meeting should interest those who often discuss politics and society in their work.
Date, time and venue:
Tuesday, 4 December 2007, 7 – 9 pm
At the Substation, Classroom 2. Armenian Street
This first meeting is meant for brainstorming the key issues; then to organise into teams to draft various parts of the intended submission. The teams have one week (till the second meeting) to work on their respective parts.
Tuesday, 11 December 2007, 7 – 9 pm
At the Substation, Classroom 2. Armenian Street
The second meeting is for the various drafts to be brought together and stitched/reconciled into a joint submission.
What to expect:
Participants should be open about their identity; you may not remain anonymous.
You should already be operating a blog, or producing content that is meant for uploading (e.g. videos, writing regularly for someone else’s blog)
We should be able to accommodate up to 20 – 25 persons; we do not need a large crowd as that would be unwieldy.
The meeting, once begun, will be “closed door” i.e. not open to reporting. No journalists allowed.
Please get something to eat before the meeting starts; bring your own drink.
Background reading:
Participants are requested to familiarise themselves with the legal and regulatory background beforehand. We do not intend to waste time at the meetings just recapitulating the background.
Suggested reading (do a websearch):
Broadcasting Act
Media Development Authority of Singapore Act
Internet Code of Conduct
Internet Class Licence Scheme
Films Act
Parliamentary Elections Act
Election Advertising Regulations
Penal Code, Sections 298, 298A, etc
Penal Code, Sections 499, 505, etc
Sedition Act
Please help spread the open call for this meeting