It is believed that the Press Council, which has been warding off accusations of bias, weakness and untrustworthiness from the ANC and its alliance partners, is striving to strengthen its weak spots to become 'relevant' and 'unblemished' in a country where the media is constantly being seen as a bunch of counter-revolutionaries.
On Sunday, 19 September 2010, a SAPA news report carried on News24.com quoted press ombudsman Joe Thloloe as saying: "A closer look at the statistics reveals that, so far this year, the office has given 44 rulings in 36 working weeks."
He said 64% of complaints have been upheld, 36% of which (16 complaints), were dismissed entirely. "In other words the finding was in favour of newspapers, and 28 were either partially or fully upheld. This represents 64% of all the findings.
"This is far, far from bias in favour of newspapers, as alleged by the ANC," he pointed out as he addressed a SANEF council meeting held in Durban over the weekend.
The office of the ombudsman said last week that it has already reviewed more than 60 press codes from various parts of the world, hoping to make amendments to the country's press code, if necessary, in the aim to improve the situation.
To contribute, download the three documents on www.presscouncil.org.za, and send your suggestions to az.gro.namsdubmo@weiver, or write to the task team: PO Box 47 221, Parklands 2121, or fax +27 (0)11 484 3619.
The deadline for submissions is Friday 15 October.
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