When delivering a keynote address at the University of SA’s annual media conference recently, Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo highlighted a number of important roles the media should play in building a better SA. She said the media must ensure citizens make responsible and informed choices rather than acting out of ignorance or misinformation. This is very relevant as the country commemorates Women’s Month, which encourages necessary introspection and action in the midst of the many instances of abuse and attacks on women and children. The public needs reliable information so they know what is happening around them, as their survival may depend on it. The provision of independent and reliable information can go a long way towards helping manage conflict and promote democratic principles. During high-publicity court cases, for example, the media are often accused of stirring up public hysteria by underlining the rights of the aggrieved, while overlooking the rights of the accus...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.