Title
AN ACT AMENDING LEGISLATIVE ACT #19-00, AS AMENDED BY LEGISLAITVE ACTS #08-01 AND #05-05, ESTABLISHING A FREE AND INDEPENDENT PRESS FOR THE CHEROKEE NATION
Body
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CHEROKEE NATION:
Section 1. Title.
This act shall be known as the “INDEPENDENT PRESS AMENDMENT ACT OF 2009” and shall be codified as Title______, Section______ of the Cherokee Nation Code Annotated.
Section 2. Purpose.
This act affirms the policy regarding the Cherokee Nation’s press. It is imperative to have measures in place to ensure the freedom of the press and to ensure the tribal publications have the independence to report objectively.
Section 3. Constitutional Rights.
The Constitution of the Cherokee Nation provides that the principles of free speech and free press, the rights of the people to assemble and petition for redress of grievances shall not be abridged.
Section 4. Policy, An Independent Cherokee Media.
The Cherokee Nation’s Publications Department shall be independent from any undue influence and free of any particular political interest. It is the duty of the Publications Department to use any necessary forms of electronic and print media to report without bias the activities of the government and the news of interest to have informed citizens.
Section 5. Providing for independent Print and Electronic Publications.
A newspaper and other forms of electronic media shall be published periodically to report news and provide a forum for all views of the Cherokees.
Section 6. Editorial Board.
A. An Editorial Board is hereby created and shall consist of five members, at least three of who shall be citizens of the Nation. At least three Board members must (i) be at least 25 years of age, (ii) have quality experience in the management and operations of publications; (iii) be of good character and have a reputation of integrity;(iv) be physically able to carry out the duties of office; and (v) certify he or she will adhere to the standards of a...
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