The State of Journalism in South Africa; it’s a huge topic, and one that inspires much debate, and not just among members of the ANC and government.
The Press Council of South Africa started a series of public engagements today that will allow interested parties to make submissions. The Press Council of S’s public hearings are part of a review of its system.
“We invite anyone who would like to give oral input on ways to improve and strengthen the SA Press Code, the Press Ombudsman’s complaints procedures and the Constitution of the Press Council,” the invitation states
Day one, taking place in Johannesburg, has the social networks talking, with a vibrant Twitter feed from a number of sources posting updates. To follow, search #pcph and #mmza
@MandylDewaal: Govenden says the press chases sensationalism instead of focussing on excellence in journalism and this is weakinging our democracy.
@MediaMattersZA: Thloloe: About 700 publications part of the Press Council, meaning all major publications are part thereof #pcph
@ShaunMMS: Ombud asks what sort of punishment should be ushered to newspaper in case of violation? #pcph #mmza
@ShaunMMS: On behalf of #MMA Hinton requests Council to take children submission seriously #pcph #mmza
@MediaMattersZA Thloloe: We are trying to get ordinary South Africans to be part of this review process #pcph
The Press Council hearings are taking place across South Africa. The Task Team reviewing the system will continue to accept written submissions until March 15, 2011.
February 17 & 18, Johannesburg: Wits, East Campus, South West, Engineering Building: The Graduate Centre Seminar Room, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein
February 21 & 22, Port Elizabeth: City Auditorium, Municipal Building, Market Square, Govan Mbeki Avenue.
February 24 & 25, Cape Town: 26 Floor, Naspers Building, 40 Heerengracht Street.
February 28, March 1, Bloemfontein: Bunga A and Bunga B Auditorium, Ground Floor, Braamfischer Building, Cnr Nelson Mandela and Maargraft Street.
March 3 & 4, Durban: Osborne St, Greyville: Embizweni Room (Annex to INL Buildings).
Anyone is welcome to observe, but seating is limited.
Should anyone wish to make a submission, they need to contact the Press Council to be put on the schedule.
For more information please contact Taryn Mackay, PO Box 47221, Parklands 2121.
Phone: 011 484 3612/8,
Fax: 011 484 3619.
e-mail: Tarynm@ombudsman.org.za
