Our comment on the ‘doek’ controversy – eNCA

3 June 2016

eNCA has a fairly conventional policy on what presenters and reporters may wear on-air, and it is not very different from those of most other television channels. But there are concerns among our staff that this policy needs to be reviewed and updated. We have initiated an internal process to ensure our policy is in line with our corporate and national values, and that it embraces the diversity of our staff and audience. We look forward to a rich debate about how we do this, and are confident that it will enhance our news product. - Anton Harber, Editor-in–Chief

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The “doek” incident in which an editorial decision became a news story has given us reason to reflect. Even two decades into post-apartheid South Africa, we continue to DEBATE issues which are both symptoms of the present and the result of tensions and torsions in the past.

We at eNCA are committed to continuing the necessary work towards effecting positive change not only inside our organisation, but, as a broadcaster, in the larger South African society. Where mistakes are made, we will look to fix them. The measure of our commitment to a fully democratic, human rights-centred order, especially inside the news industry with its commitment to fairness and freedom of expression, lies in our ability to rise to this challenge.

The issue of the ‘doek’ is merely a symptom of the larger call for change in contemporary South Africa. This is not an issue that will be resolved by quick technical intervention. Consultative processes between employees and managers are underway, dealing with this among many questions facing journalists and media professionals every day, and we are working towards making sure South Africans see progressive values reflected in their broadcast news. 

Constitution

Of course we are all guided by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. We are also a business, and a news media business. Our style guide was established during a period when we were battling to establish legitimacy with viewers across South Africa.

Based on research and the work of consultants, a style guide was developed to address audience feedback which indicated that viewers wanted to focus on what reporters and anchors were saying, the content of the news, the stories we were telling, rather than being distracted by having to comment on styling or clothing choices1.

Obviously, these things change over time, and sometimes the change is gradual, and sometimes it is sped up by social and political change also being accelerated. It is important to recognise that news media organisations must also respond to their audience’s consumption patterns. This includes how the honesty and openness of the reporter is viewed. In most societies the open face, fully visible, remains the most reliable and trustworthy.

That said, the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, and South African businesses in all sectors, like businesses across the world, have to negotiate how their consumers’ and clients’ needs and desires are met inside and in terms of legal and ethical frameworks, like the Constitution.

These are ongoing processes. They will continue beyond this moment, and we will continue to respond to such challenges professionally, dynamically, ethically, and in line with the democratic principles of this South Africa we live in now.

- Mapi Mhlangu/Channel News Director

Statements issued by eNCA, 2 June 2016