Before reacting to the bill network2013 organised a meeting with editors, senior journalists and lawyers to explore the various dimensions the bill has and seek legal advice on some clauses, in the discussions all reacted with dismay and expressed concern and alarm over the bill. 

"The bill in its current version will lead to a new wave of intimidation and harassment of journalists and ultimately lead to censorship, the Bill is a serious affront to press freedom and seeks to constrain journalists from doing their work" said Mogadishu based Radio Kulmiye editor Ahmed Said.
"Over the years we have had several consultative meetings with the ministry of information and the parliamentary committee for information during which they assured us that our views and concerns over threats to press freedom would be taken into account, only for them to pass the Bill with the offending clauses" Said Ismail Sheikh Khalifa, Network2013's spokesman 
"we are concerned especially about article that compels journalists and editors to disclose their source of information if demanded by the state and article 5 which imposes hefty fines". he added. 
In article 4, vaguely worded terms with no definition such as "false news”, "escalation of hostility”, "threats to national security" , "encouragement of tribalism”, "baseless propaganda against person or institution”, "hate news” and "news based on extremism” can be misjudged to prosecute the media and censor journalists from telling the truth. 
According to article 5, any journalist or media outlet that infringes this bill will be fined between US$500 and US$3000, This provision creates punitive penalties for media outlets and journalists contrary to international standards. 
The bill also creates unjustifiable restrictions on the practice of journalism by prescribing minimal educational standards in order to qualify as a journalist. Editors believe that clauses such as that introducing a minimum qualification of university degree turns out to be far more restive in the country’s shattered media industry. 
"We find it mischievous and an act of bad faith for the ministry of information and the MPs through the relevant committees to purport to engage stakeholders for input and then turn around and ignore their views and concerns. Media freedom in the country will be seriously damaged if some articles are not reviewed" said radio Risaala editor Mohamedkafi Sheikh Abukar

All media houses must register at the Ministry of Information and pay an unspecified annual license fee to get a licence from the ministry, this opens the door for the ministry to politicize the issuance of licenses and deny any media house that they may deem to be critical to them. 
In article 14 the media law establishes a National Media Council, which consists of nine (9) members. 3 of them will be representing the Ministry of Information while 3 members will be appointed from independent media. The remaining three members will be appointed by the ministry from civil society, particularly from the National Human Rights Commission, the National Women's Organisation and Somali Lawyers Union. The whole committee will be appointed by the Ministry and that gives the ministry an absolute majority in the council. 
Network2013 wishes to appeal to the President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud not to assent the Bill in its current form but instead return it to parliament for review with stakeholders input. 
However, Network2013 notes that while there are a number of serious concerns about the new legislation, the laws do offer a chance to regulate the media and finally a step closer to a national media bill.

Note to Editors 
Network 2013 ( Forum for Somali Media houses) Was founded in 2013 by 13 Radio Stations - which has now grown to 29 media houses - across Somalia. The purpose of the Network is to promote the principles of a free, independent and professional Somali media dedicated to advancing peace, reconciliation and democratic values, and in particular to strengthen the capacity of radio stations as public service providers for the Somali community, thereby contributing to peace, reconciliation and development. 
The Nework 2013 is funded by International Media support (IMS), FOJO Media Institute, Also the Network 2013 is member of the Somalia South-Central Non-State Actors (SOSCENSA) and The Global Forum for Media Development(GFMD) is an international network of media assistance groups, for more information please check: www.network2013.org or Email:- [email protected]