Live video: What the new press code means for you
Sensationalism. Distorting the facts. Ghost sources.
South Africa's media are accused of many things – and sometimes we get things horribly wrong. But what can you do about it?
South Africans have been given a new press code to keep journalists on their toes when it comes to responsible reporting.
Reading a 50-page document might not be everyone's cup of tea though, so join our live video interview with press ombudsman Joe Thloloe and Mail & Guardian editor-in-chief Nic Dawes as we talk you through the changes. M&G Online deputy editor Verashni Pillay will put forward your questions about the code and the media's future in South Africa.
The broadcast will take place on Wednesday, October 17 at 1pm, which will be available as a recorded version afterwards.
The new code was launched on October 3 following the recommendations of the press freedom commission, headed by retired chief justice Pius Langa, which heard much debate during public hearings throughout South Africa. It includes three new appendixes and, significantly, involves far greater public participation in regulating the media.
The 13-person press council will be chaired by a retired judge with six representatives from the press and six members of the public outside the industry.
This means the majority of the council would be from outside the industry.
The changes come against the backdrop of increasing threats to media freedom in South Africa.
But what do all these changes mean?
Join our live video discussion on Wednesday at 1pm and send us your questions for more.
We will also take your tweets in real time sent to @verashni.Sign up here to receive weekly updates about our Friday live videos.
Watch the previous video chat with our reporters featuring your questions about Julius Malema's court challenges.
