SANEF welcomes investigation into alleged breach of editorial code by two City Press journalists

21 September 2022

The South African National Editors’ Forum, SANEF, notes with concern reports regarding the suspension of two City Press reporters over allegations that they breached editorial ethical codes and the Press Code.

City Press parent company, Media24 CEO Ishmet Davidson confirmed the suspensions and said the company had started a process to establish the veracity of the claims against the reporters. SANEF welcomes this investigation.

Should evidence of these editorial breaches be found, action should be taken without fear or favour. Claims of this nature are potentially damaging not only to affected persons but to the industry as a whole.

For all of us in the media, journalistic integrity is paramount as it sits at the heart of the media’s contribution to building our democracy. Journalists are crusaders for accountability. It therefore follows that they too should be subject to the same accountability that they demand of those who exercise power in society.

Earlier this year, SANEF released a report that looked extensively at ethical breaches in South African newsrooms. The report also made numerous and helpful suggestions on how to curb unethical conduct.

We are encouraged by Davidson’s avowed commitment to ensure a speedy investigation. SANEF further calls on the company to be transparent about the outcome of the investigation, once it is concluded.

Issued by SANEF, 21 September 2022