Five media houses have attended a meeting to discuss the Seychelles National Alcohol Policy which is currently under review. The meeting was organised by the SMC, following a workshop held by APDAR whereby the Alcohol Policy which dates back to *** was tabled for revision.
The Policy includes a section on how alcohol is to be advertised therefore the meeting sought to get the views of the different media houses on what is currently being practised and how this section of the policy can be revised to reflect the current practice of alcohol advertising and what standards need to be applied through media advertising.
Representatives from Pure FM, K-Radio, SBC, Seychelles News Agency and Today in Seychelles, all tabled concerns regarding a proposed ban on alcohol. Whilst the policy supersedes a bill, which is currently in the process of being drafted, there has been discussion on a total ban on advertising.
Representatives, shared that not only are they advertising alcohol within the bounds of media ethics and social responsibility, but that the media has also been playing a role educating the public when it comes to the social and health issues that is brought on by alcohol abuse but also the dangers of drink driving. The view shared was that it would be unfair to punish the media by introducing a ban, but that instead all stakeholders should come together to ensure that information are shared and that penalties are upheld.
Concerns of the media also related to the financial implications that a possible ban could bring about, namely probable staffing issues as alcohol advertising helps to maintain the operations of the different stations and publications.
As part of the discussion therefore, the media representatives present contributed towards the review of the policy, with the aim that it promote responsible actions on the part of the media sector. They also requested a meeting with the Committee currently discussing the content of the bill, with the aim of promoting the works of the media relating to alcohol and to lobby for a no ban but rather a multi-sectorial approach when dealing with the issue.