MEDIA RELEASE FROM SANEF - 24 November 2013
The SA National Editors' Forum held its quarterly council meeting in Umhlanga, north of Durban, yesterday (23 August 2013).
Themed Freedom and Accountability, the meeting was addressed by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela. KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu who was also scheduled to address council was unable to do so after a last-minute engagement.
Council received a briefing by Press Ombudsman Johan Retief. Retief noted that the introduction of the public advocate under the Press Council's new system of independent co-regulation had made a huge difference. During the period August 16 to November 15, the Public Advocate had received 192 complaints, referring 58 of these to the Ombudsman for adjudication, resolving 23 and dismissing six. Sanef welcomed the role of Public Advocate Latiefa Mobara and noted how her work had streamlined the system and significantly reduced the amount of time taken for complaints from the public to be resolved.
On the relationship of journalists and political parties, Sanef referred to the Press Code's Preamble which highlights the important principle that journalists commit themselves to the highest standards of excellence to remain credible and keep the trust of readers. Moreover, the Press Code under the sub-section relating to independence and conflict of interest states:
The press shall not allow commercial, political or other non-professional considerations to influence or slant reporting. Conflicts of interest must be avoided, as well as arrangements or practices that could lead audiences to doubt the press's independence and professionalism.