DOES MEDIA FREEDOM MATTER?
From September 19 through September 23, South Africans will be talking about the importance – or lack of importance - that the media plays in their daily lives. In an era of social media and Wikileaks, the proposed Protection of Information Bill and Media Appeals Tribunal, of tabloids and scandal sheets, what role does the media play? And what role should it play in a multiracial, democratic South Africa?
MEDIA & JOURNALISM STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS OF SOUTH AFRICA:
Academics from around South Africa are becoming increasingly worried about the state of media freedom in our country. As lecturers and academics, we are greatly concerned for the future of our students: we dedicate our careers to teaching you, so that you can pursue exciting futures in the media industry. The Protection of Information Bill and the proposed media appeals tribunal (amongst other issues), however, cast a bleak outlook for anyone wishing to enter the media industry in South Africa, particularly as a journalist.
We now ask for our students views on these matters.
We now ask for our students views on these matters.
Your voice matters! Use the comments function below to give us your views on some of the questions listed below!
• What is the responsibility of the media?
• Can South African media be trusted?
• What is the alternative to a free media?
• Should only good news be permitted?
• Is the media’s role to be the watchdog? Or is that a step too far?
• Does free media hurt or hinder economic development?
• What is the role of the media in developing democracy?
• What is the role of the press in a developing state or in promoting a country?
• Should only “black” reporters report on “black” issues?
• Who really controls what the media says?
• Is there too much opinion and not enough factual writing in the South African media?
Remember, after writing your response in the comments block below, please tell us which university or tertiary institution you are from.
Students, write comments here!
ReplyDeleteThe responsibility of the media is to inform the people and at times to entertain them. It functions as an information provider and as such, we put some trust in the information we are given.
ReplyDeleteHowever, like all forms of media, from books to advertisements, news to celebrity gossip, we the 'consumer' must always be vigilant about what we are told or read about. It is our responsibility to verify the information on our own and make our voices heard if we disagree on a particular issue.
I cannot in all honesty think of a better alternative to a free media (especially since the alternatives hark back to rather dark times in our country). The media is meant to be free to allow differing views to be broadcast and debated. It is the right of the people to know what is happening in their world, to stifle this is to stifle free speech and to do that is a gross violation of basic human rights. As outlined in the UN's 'The Universal Declaration of Human Rights' (http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/) which reads: [Article 19] "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers". This is no easy feat, but it is one that the media stands for.
News, as is always the case, is both good and bad no, matter where you go. It is the right of the consumer to be informed of both and the right of the media to inform. The media is a platform for opinions and should be accorded that privilege.
The media is oft a watchdog for the people, it is meant to operate as a base for debate and opinion. The media needs to be able to mitigate between what is useful news, news that effect the public, and what is just a 'fluff piece'. In essence, the only people who would call the media a 'watchdog', are those that are busy undermining the public's best interest.
The media plays a immeasurable role in the development of a 'free and fair' democracy. Without it, the people would be unable to know what is going on around them, what could affect them in the future and who is the responsible party. It is the right of the people to know what their politicans and leaders are doing and how it will affect them in the long run. This will help them to make a decision come voting time and hopefully allow for the betterment of the country as a whole.
As for 'Should only “black” reporters report on “black” issues?'. Yes and no, this is an extremely volatile subject in most cases. Where do we draw the line? Should only 'white' reporters report on "white" issues? Should we then start delineating between cultures and religions too. A reporter is expected to try, with as much effort as possible, to report without bias of any kind. There should not be the need to separate reporting into different ethnic groups. Opinions should be heard from all sides and viewpoints; if any exist. The whole point is to get as broad an opinion base as possible.
The media should be controlled by the people, but it often looks like the media is controlled by politicians with a vested interest in it. It is one of the reasons that the media should be opened up more to the public. Media that is 'State-owned' is a problem that needs to be rectified; rather have a number of conflicting opinions than one controlled for the aims of the current government, as was the case in the Apartheid-era.
The media needs it's freedom to communicate the vast and diverse views of its people and to inform them of the the often blatant corruption that is all too easily seen within its own government. It is up to the government to answer for any allegations brought forwards by the media (in this sense, it also means the 'people') and make changes where change is needed.
Hugo de Groot [UNISA]
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn an era of social media and Wikileaks, the proposed Protection of Information Bill and Media Appeals Tribunal, of tabloids and scandal sheets,
ReplyDeleteMedia Monitoring