The transformation of the South African Broadcasting Corporation from an apartheid government mouthpiece to a non-partisan public broadcaster demonstrates the government’s resolve to encourage media freedom and diversity in South Africa, the African National Congress said on Friday.
In a statement posted on the party’s ANC Today website to mark World Press Freedom Day earlier this week, it said media institutions have an obligation to play an important role in the national life of the country.
”Media and governments often find themselves in antagonistic relationships. Democratic governments see themselves as the champions of the poor and the product of the popular will. Many in the media see themselves as society’s watchdogs, speaking truth to power.
”Yet, at the same time, both governments and the media have a responsibility to society. And both need to understand and accept the responsibility of the other,” it said.
Free, diverse and vibrant media are essential to democracy.
”Nobody wants a timid media that merely reprints press statements of government, or the ruling party, or the economically powerful, without establishing the principle of newsworthiness.
”What is sought instead is reporting that is informative, responsible, honest and constructive.
”Such reporting is important to the public, who rely on the media to access information about events in the country, about development, and about the programmes, successes and shortcomings of government.”
The ANC said media freedom will remain hollow unless journalists have the space and capacity to be critical and independent thinkers, who are well equipped to conduct research to deliver quality product.
It welcomed what it called the large proportion of young journalists in the country’s newsrooms, but said this means media owners need to invest more in training and development.
”Government needs to ensure that its own communications machinery is properly oiled, so that accurate information is provided to the media on time and in an appropriate form.
”The transformation of the South African Broadcasting Corporation from an apartheid government mouthpiece to a non-partisan public broadcaster, and the licensing of a range of new television and radio stations, demonstrates government’s resolve to encourage media freedom and diversity in this country,” the ANC said. — Sapa