Abolition of Media Councils
- The councils for print and broadcast media established under Letter of Instructions No. 587, pursuant to P.D. No. 576 (as amended), are hereby abolished.
Provision for Self-Regulation by the Media
- Despite abolition of the councils, the print and broadcast media retain the discretion to form their own self-regulatory bodies.
- Such bodies may be organized according to the media's judgment, with rules and regulations they determine.
- This underscores the media's responsibility to uphold excellence, competence, and respect for law.
Immediate Effectivity
- The decree takes effect immediately upon issuance, underscoring the urgency and finality of the abolition of the councils.
Underlying Legal and Policy Context
- The earlier termination of government supervision over mass media was predicated on media sectors demonstrating capability for self-regulation and responsible conduct.
- The councils had previously elevated standards of responsibility and competence in mass media self-regulation.
- The decree reflects a transition toward direct media autonomy in regulation without government-established councils.