Stakeholders Discuss Bill on Advertisement

Addis Ababa, July 30(ENA)-- Officials of the Ministries of Information, as well as Sports, Culture and Youth said advertisements should be presented in a way that respects the public's moral, cultural values and conduct.

The officials made the remark on Wednesday at a Public Hearing summoned by the Information and Cultural Affairs Standing Committee of the House of Peoples Representatives to discuss the Bill on Advertisements.

Various sections of the society have been adversely affected by advertisements that undermine the public's cultural values and morale due to the absence of Advertisements Bill, the officials said.

Manager of Broadcasting Agency with the Ministry of Information, Shimelis Kemal, Head of Press and Film License and Supervision Department with the Ministry, Fantahun Asres, and Legal Services Head with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Teka Asfaw said it was necessary that advertisements be governed by laws and regulations.

The Bill providing for advertisement standards would be of paramount importance to companies and professionals engaged in the advertisement business, the officials said.

The officials have noted the crucial role advertisements play in the economic activities of the country and underlined the need for a legal system and a responsible government organ to regulate the business.

Participants in the hearing have underscored the importance of the bill for individuals and organizations engaged in the business, and commented on some articles in the draft proclamation.

Some participants indicated that the bill should address the concerns of the disabled, elder persons and children.

The Bill provides, among others, that only Ethiopians can conduct advertisement business in the country. However, participants commented that foreign citizens of Ethiopian origin should be allowed to engage in the business.

The house also debated on issues of commercial advertisements promoting unfair competitions, advertisements in sponsored programs as well as on prohibited ones.

Fantahun said the bill was prepared taking into consideration the experiences of other countries as well as pertinent international instruments on matters related to sponsorship and production of advertisements.

A host of stakeholders have participated in the debate on the provisions stipulated on the bill.