Proposed media law changes cause concern.

There is perplexity among some journalists and media operators in Mozambique about proposed changes to the 1991 press law, which is widely considered one of the most enlightened pieces of media legislation in Africa. The amendments, which have been drawn up by the government in conjunction with representatives of the journalists union, the editors association and the local chapter of the southern Africa regional institute for media freedom, include turning the supreme mass media council, a watchdog on press freedom and the right of reply, into a disciplinary and consultative body, as well as the introduction of a compulsory licensing requirement for journalists. However, the Mozambican news agency AIM reports that journalists themselves have not been widely consulted about the proposed modifications, which are now open for public debate. Mozambique came 45th for press freedom in the 2006 global ranking compiled by the international media watchdog Reporters without Borders. Finland came top, while the UK came 27th and the US 53rd.