The Media Complaints Commission has found admissible a complaint filed by Fredrick Tito Mwamati against Nation Media Group PLC and another respondent over a newspaper article published on 10 October 2024 and a television broadcast aired on 6 October 2024.
In the submission, Mr Mwamati argues that the stories published by NMG PLC were misleading, inaccurate, biased, scandalous and damaging to his reputation, and that they were inflammatory and in breach of the Code of Conduct for Media Practice.
The admissibility finding follows the Commission’s earlier dismissal of a preliminary objection raised by the media house. In that ruling, the Commission found that:
- The complaint was not time-barred, as no clear procedural rules prescribe time limits;
- The complaint raised triable issues on possible breaches of media ethics; and
- The matter fell within the mandate of the Complaints Commission.
After reviewing the complaint form and supporting documents, the Commission was satisfied that the issues raised on accuracy, fairness and responsible reporting warranted substantive consideration.
Guided by Section 32(a) of the Media Council Act, 2013, which empowers the Commission to regulate its own procedure, and Article 159(2)(d) of the Constitution, which requires justice to be administered without undue regard to procedural technicalities, the Commission found no legal impediment to admitting the complaint.
The case will now proceed to the next stage, which may include mediation between the parties or a full hearing, as provided for under the Media Council Act, Cap. 411B.