Media must report objectively without bias
The ANC has a clear view as to the relation we want to have with the editors and journalists who report objectively without being biased in favour or against the ANC. We expect journalists to make an effort to balance the stories planted by sources by seeking to get the official response on the matter.
Last week we had an opportunity of engaging with the British media. What was exciting was the depth of understanding of issues by these foreign journalists. It was clear that they read ANC and alliance documents and asks informed questions. The Independent News had a presence there but the way they covered the trip even in South Africa was different. Others chose to report anecdotes instead of the content of engagement.
In South Africa the media is not about accurate information but more about sensation that can sell newspapers. When some journalists get information they don't even bother about attending media briefings.
Positive developments that are acknowledged even by investors do not get reported in detail in South Africa. The performance of our economy in the face of the global financial meltdown is commendable. We reported negative economic growth for three quarters in 2009. We have since reported positive economic growth for two quarters. Both the national treasury and the International Monetary Fund have revised their projections for the year to 2,5% and 3,0 % respectively. Our interest rates are low at 6,5 % and inflation have been reduced to within the range at 5,7% in February and 5,1% in March.
What the media has code named the succession debate is nothing special in the normal circumstances in that in 2012 there will be an elective conference of the ANC. Our media continues to relegate election of leadership to being some form of conspiracy and plotting instead of seeing it as democracy in action. The ANC will not arrange leadership and pretend to have preserved peace in the organisation.