MMP and SAfm radio conference on the media and child abuse

"The media play a critical role in raising issues against child abuse and gender-based violence. This role becomes even more pronounced during the 16 Days of Activism Campaign," said William Bird, director of the Media Monitoring Project. "In telling the stories of abuse it is imperative that journalists report in a manner that will not further violate the child's rights."

A panel of local and international media and children's rights experts, hosted by Media@SAfm presenter Jeremy Maggs, will contextualise the representation of children and abused children in the media and unpack the South African complaints process. Each session will be followed by a roundtable discussion allowing for listener interaction.

According to SAfm Station Manager Mapule Mbhalati, "SAfm is excited to be part of South Africa's first ever radio conference. Our national footprint and a targeted programme, Media@SAfm, aimed at the communications industry and the issues surrounding it, makes us the perfect radio partner for this conference."

The keynote address will be delivered by Cheryl Gillwald, Deputy Minister of Correctional Services. Other key participants include Shirley Mabusela, formerly on the South African Human Rights Commission; Prof Jenny Kizinger of Cardiff University School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, a leading expert on the media's role in reporting on child abuse and gender-based violence; Adv Retha Meintjes, president of the South African Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (SAPSAC); Ed Linington, South African Press Ombudsman; and Prof Kobus van Rooyen, chairperson of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA).

"The abuse of children is unacceptable under any circumstances. The media has a responsibility to expose abuse where it occurs, in the hope of creating a better and safer world for our children," said SAfm Programmes Manager Dennis O'Donnell.