EDITORIAL: South African journalists can count themselves fortunate that their right to freedom of expression is constitutionally protected. But this has not stopped them from being on the receiving end of harassment from prominent political figures.
Today is World Press Freedom Day. In South Africa, as in much of the world, there is little to celebrate. The independence of the fourth estate is under attack and faces a multitude of threats, which may cripple one of the pillars of this country’s democracy.
South African journalists can count themselves fortunate that their right to freedom of expression is constitutionally protected. But this has not stopped them from being on the receiving end of harassment and intimidation from some of this country’s prominent political figures. This harassment is mirrored on social media, where journalists are singled out for vile abuse, including threats of violence and death.
At the same time, newsrooms have shrunk dramatically, limiting the ability of newspapers and broadcasters to do their work effectively. New research, to be published soon, will show that the number of working journalists in South Africa has declined by 50% in the last decade.
Media ownership is becoming increasingly politicised, further undermining the independence of major broadcasters and titles. Take the SABC, which is struggling to recover from a concerted effort to turn it into a mouthpiece of the ruling party; and the Independent Media Group, which includes flagship titles such as, where journalists have been asked to further the personal interests of owner Iqbal Survé.
Fortunately, you can help. Buy newspapers. Stand up for journalists when they are being attacked. Be discerning about what you read and share — don’t let the fake news win. And, if you control an advertising budget, think carefully about how you spend it. Protecting journalism — and, by extension, democracy itself — is everyone’s responsibility.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'I need your help, please help me': Captive SA journo pleads for life in videoShiraaz Mohamed said that he fears for his life as Russian forces are bombing areas around the compound where he was being held captive in Syria.
Read more »
Optimism emerges that outspoken Mbeki can help to set ANC straightThe former president has criticised the party and its decade of governance under former president Jacob Zuma.
Read more »
Rescuers rush to help as serious flooding starts in cyclone-hit MozambiqueThe storm slammed in to the province of Cabo Delgado on Thursday, killing five people, and has since then pounded an area prone to floods and landslides with rain.
Read more »
Police seek public’s help in locating 2 men in sexual assault casesThe investigations are related to rape in Bellville in March and attempted rape in Ocean View.
Read more »
A sleek, luxury toothbrush that wants to help you brush betterBe gone with the boring looks and endless charging – Quip is here to make your teeth great again – and look good while doing it too
Read more »
WATCH: Shiraaz Mohamed pleads for help in proof of life videoGift of the Givers says the photojournalist's family is full of hope that he will be returned to them.
Read more »
SAPS seeks help in tracking Pretoria murder suspectA manhunt for Obienna Greg Ofdegbuliwe was launched following his failure to appear in court.
Read more »
Rescuers rush to help as serious flooding starts in cyclone-hit MozambiqueRescuers were moving in to help people trapped by rapidly rising floodwater in the northern Mozambique city of Pemba on Sunday, home to 200,000 people, a UN spokesman said, as Cyclone Kenneth dumped more rain on the region.
Read more »
Abducted SA journalist pleads for help in survival videoAbducted South African journalist Shiraaz Mohamed says he fears for his life in a video received by the Gift of the Givers. The organisation received the video earlier this month which it says is a promising move towards bringing the journalist back to South Africa.
Read more »
Tough stance on populism could help SA avoid downgrade, BLSA saysSA had a reprieve at the end of March when Moody’s did not make a pronouncement on the country’s ratings
Read more »
Khomani San community calls on govt to help preserve its heritageThe community members there said their //Ng!u language would die out altogether if the government didn’t change its policies.
Read more »