Draft of RDTL Media Law reported by Parliament Committee A on 2 May 2014 Page 13 Rough translation by La’o Hamutuk. See http://www.laohamutuk.org/misc/MediaLaw/14MediaLaw.htm for original and other materials. Article 43 Essential Duties 1. The Press Council has as essential duties to ensure the professional and ethical conduct of professional journalists and media operators, as well as ensuring compliance with the conditions of access to and exercise of journalistic activity. Article 44 Powers The powers of the Press Council are: a) Promoting freedom of expression and of the press and independence of the media from any influences of individuals, groups or political and economic interests; b) Approve and oversee compliance with the Code of Ethics by all journalists and media; c) Exercise disciplinary authority over journalists, under specific regulations, to be approved by the Press Council, where the violations are set, the corresponding sanctions and disciplinary proceedings; d) Grant, renew, suspend and revoke the professional credentials of journalists; e) Implement the registry and promote publication in the Jornál da República of media bodies and media outlets; f) Maintain a database of active media companies, journalists’ organizations and journalists; g) Arbitrate and mediate disputes arising from the exercise of journalistic activity, the relationship between citizens, organizations, state bodies and media bodies; h) Issue opinions where a Court requires the expert opinion of the Press Council with a view to settling disputes arising from journalistic activity; i) Promote dialogue between media operators, society and state bodies; j) Support organizations of journalists in the development of professional, technical and intellectual skills of journalists. Article 45 Composition 1. The Press Council consists of five members, appointed as follows: a) Two representatives of journalists chosen by them, through election; b) A representative of media bodies, chosen by them, through election; c) Two citizens of recognized integrity and professional merit, preferably connected with media, one being a jurist, appointed by the National Parliament. 2. The President of the Press Council is elected by the members from among the persons referred to in c) above. [Paragraphs 1(c) (no requirement for a lawyer) and 2 (any member can be President) of this article were amended during the Parliamentary plenary discussion.] Article 46 Term The term of a member of the Press Council is four years, renewable once. Article 47 Status of members 1. The performance of the function of member of the Press Council is combined with the professional activity of the same kind, and is not paid or subsidized and not permanent.