Despite denials and much dissension, a merger between two black media forums appears set to get the go-ahead, reports Jacquie Golding-Duffy
THE Black Editors Forum and the Forum of Black Journalists are planning to merge in a bid to preserve what they see as their common interests.
However, the plan is causing dissension in the ranks of both organisations.
Forum of Black Journalists chair Abbey Makoe denies a merger is in the offing: “There is definitely no merger as far as I am aware and nothing has been discussed.”
However, others have confirmed that meetings have been called to discuss the possible merger and some journalists are talking about the merger as if it is close to being sewn up.
Certain journalists, who favour the idea of consummating a marriage between the two forums, say the move could only strengthen the position of black reporters and editors as they would speak in a unified voice to express grievances.
While some reporters from the Forum of Black Journalists are keen for the merger to take place, others are concerned that the Black Editors Forum may engulf the reporters’ body.
These reporters caution that colour is not enough to unite the two bodies, as the problems experienced by black editors are different to those experienced by black reporters; therefore separate groups are desirable.
Some members who have departed from the Forum of Black Journalists say they are disillusioned with the group, citing it as “disorganised” and “wayward”. For these reporters, talk about an impending merger between the two organisations is neither here nor there.
“The Forum of Black Journalists has to sort out its priorities before thinking about joining up with the Black Editors Forum,” says one former member who refused to be named. “It’s a tight-knit group and either you’re in or you’re out. If you question some of the ideas of the Forum of Black Journalists, you are sometimes viewed with suspicion which is very unnerving.”
Other members of the Forum of Black Journalists argue that a “multitude of opinions” are aired at its meetings and “never is anyone intimidated not to speak”.
The Forum of Black Journalists “is on track” and committed to improving the situation of all black reporters as a pressure group as well as to acting as a platform for black reporters to vocalise their frustrations, says one member.
It is for this reason that some black journalists feel a merger will be advantageous – it will provide a platform for all blacks in the media profession where they will not feel the need to emulate their white colleagues.
Some black editors argue that their commitment to the broad principles of the umbrella body – the South African National Editors Forum (Sanef) – should take precedence over the Black Editors Forum, but are concerned that black interests will not be preserved. A merger between the Black Editors Forum and the Forum for Black Journalists could, they say, maintain black goals.
However, others argue that the Black Editors Forum will have to disband eventually, like the mainly white Conference of Editors, in a bid to assist Sanef in its efforts to present a united front of editors irrespective of colour.
Some black editors fear the dissolution of the Black Editors Forum will not bode well for the industry as the only avenue left for black editors will be Sanef.
Black Editors Forum and Sanef chair Thami Mazwai has in the past defended the existence of the Black Editors Forum, saying its actions are not out of line with Sanef, although it does have a responsibility towards its black members to tackle issues which directly affect them.
The Black Editors Forum has led two delegations in the past, despite the formation of Sanef, and this has provided it with more leverage than the umbrella body.
The first delegation had afternoon tea with President Nelson Mandela in a bid to iron out differences between the president, government officials and editors. The second delegation met with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission regarding the Freedom of Expression Institute’s involvement in the then-planned investigation into the media.
Makoe says his understanding is that the Black Editors Forum would give Sanef “one year’s grace” before evaluating its own status.
Sanef deputy chair and Sunday Times editor Brian Pottinger argues that the forum is not at all opposed to certain groups pursuing special interests. However, Sanef’s commitment to presenting a united front is best demonstrated by editors joining the umbrella body, he says.