Costa Rica has been known for having a fairly free press status with radio being the most popular outlet. According to Freedom House, Costa Rica is ranked 19 out of 100 for their freedom score. In 2010 the Supreme Court eliminated the 1902 printing press law that imposed prison sentences for defamation. Since then the president of Costa Rica, Luis Guillermo Solis has been insisting that the Minster of Science, Technology & Telecommuications should modernize the country's media regulations which have been in place for 50 years. On Tuesday April 7, 2015 both the Preisdent of the MICITT (Gisella Kopper) and Vice-President (Allan Ruiz) had to face the press over the controversy of the draft bill, that was sent to congress.
The bill was intended to regulate the press in Costa Rica, it outlines possible fines up$226,700 and the cancellation of license for those media outlets that have spread information that goes against "good manners or "threatens the honor or integrity" of those mentioned. In Article 68 of the bill it also states media firms that transmit "false or alarming news without foundation" will be punished.
Some people of Costa Rica aren't happy with the bill, even some Civil Society Groups are referring to it as "gag law". They feel the government is trying to control their freedom of expression and control what content media outlets could put out. One person to speak out was Claudio Paolillo, president of the Committee on Freedom of the Press for the Inter American Press Association. According to the Panama Post, he commented on the document saying ...
"Who has the formula for measuring the values and the kind of information the general population ought to receive? They’re seeking to measure and quantify the freedom of the press. The government’s intention is to be the arbiter of content, and this is very dangerous for the historic defense of freedom of expression that has characterized Costa Rica"
Vice Minister Allan Ruiz of the MICITT says that they are not trying to restrict freedom. In the final version, the bill won't mention restricting content in any way. He just wants to make sure the media outlets won't make inefficient use of the radio spectrum.
The MICITT seems to have good intentions, but havent spent the time putting together the bill. They need to make sure the law is worded in a way to allow people to voice their opinion freely on the radio and television. Not having to worry about being fined for speaking how they feel whether it's in "good manner" or not.