Academics have their say at hearings, but public doesn't pitch
23 Feb 2011
The Press Council public hearings resumed in Eastern Cape on Monday, 21 February 2011, where academics from Rhodes University made detailed submissions. Again ANC representatives failed to show face, despite being the loudest voices calling for press reforms. More worrying, however, was the failure of civil society members and the general public to attend hearings.
e Press Council hearings held in Johannesburg last week, the Eastern Cape session was held in Port Elizabeth's city auditorium. It was hoped these hearings would allow the public to make recommendations regarding the role of the Press Council and implementing reforms of its Press Code. Press Ombudsman Joe Thloloe was optimistic that some of these reforms could be in effect as early as June this year.
Rhodes journalism professors Guy Berger and Jane Duncan provided an instructive and detailed analysis of the Press Council and its roles, and proposed a comprehensive list of reforms.
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Source: Free African Media
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