How to design a kick-butt media self-regulation system
Self-regulation by the press and access to our courts by complainants need not be mutually exclusive. In fact, annulling the so-called "waiver" for complainants who approach the Press Council will strengthen public perception that it really is a body intent on ensuring the highest ethical standards in journalism in South Africa.
Joe Thloloe, the Press Council's venerable ombudsman, often points out that reforming the self-regulatory structure is not about appeasing the ANC.
He's entirely right - we need to deal with the merits of ANC criticisms separately from any underlying political agendas.
Redressing internal weaknesses will undercut much of the external criticism. But sustainable self-regulation in the longer-term also depends on the system actually improving journalists' adherence to ethics - and, through that, a strengthened press service to society.
Continue reading the full opinion piece on www.thedailymaverick.co.za.
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- Google News Search: Protection of Information Bill media appeals tribunal
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About the author
Guy Berger is part of the School of Journalism and Media Studies, Rhodes University. A long-standing media activist and academic, he has written extensively on the self-regulation vs the [[http://nml.ru.ac.za/blog/guy-berger/2011/02/23/counselling-press-council.html media appeals tribunal debate]]. Follow him on Twitter at [[@guyberger]].