The functions of the Council are to:

• Mediate or arbitrate in disputes between the government and the media, between the public and the media and intra-media.
• Promote and protect freedom and independence of the media.
• Promote high professional standards amongst journalists.
• Enhance professional collaboration among media practitioners.
• Promote ethical standards among journalists and in the media.
• Ensure the protection of the rights and privileges of journalists in the performance of their duties.
• Advise the government or the relevant authority on matters pertaining to professional, education and the training of journalists and other media practitioners.
• Make recommendations on the employment criteria for journalists.
• Uphold and maintain the ethics and discipline of journalists.
• Do all matters that appertain to the effective implementation of this Act.
• Compile and maintain a register of journalists, media practitioners, media enterprises and such other related registers.
• Conduct an annual review of the performance and the general public opinion of the media, and publish the results.