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Courageous Conversations: Debating the proposed information bill and the possibility of a media tribunal
28 August, Koinonia Conference Centre- The group was addressed by Prof Ruth Tomaselli from the Univeristy for KwaZulu Natal. She has researched extensively on the topic and is a recognized expert on the state of the media in South Africa. Since this was a slightly different format from previous conversations we took advantage of having a media resource person in the group and decided to have a single circle of community rather than a number of smaller group discussions.
The presentation from Ruth highlighted the need for the Information Bill to be passed as the intention was to consolidate a number of different pieces of legislation pertaining to print media. The process started in 2008.The problem with the Bill in its present sate that it was too broad in its scope and this could lead to serious intimidation of the sector. Freedom of the Press is one of the most important pillars of our democracy and any threat to it must be treated seriously. The bill is now at the stage of going to parliament for adoption but there is still place for ordinary citizens to lobby their public representatives.
The issue of the media tribunal raised other more serious issues. Whilst it was acknowledged that the present system of a media ombudsman needed to be looked into in terms of adequate resourcing this was not enough cause to constitute a media tribunal. Such a tribunal, if constituted begs several serious question about its composition, powers and mandate.
2011 South African Reconciliation Barometer Survey
