Pretoria - Print media newsrooms in South Africa had taken significant steps towards transformation but more still needed to be done,Communications Minister Faith Muthambi said on Thursday.
“Undoubtedly there has been progress, though as with any journey, there is always more to do. The emergence of new role players in the South African media space in recent years has been a welcome development and has increased plurality of voice,” Muthambi said while officially opening a two-day Print Media Transformation Colloquium in Pretoria.
She said plurality, bringing more players into the media industry, was critical as it contributed to a well-functioning democratic society that was characterised by informed citizens.
“It (plurality) prevents any one media owner or owners having too much influence over public opinion and the political agenda. Most importantly it ensures that there is a diversity of viewpoints which encompasses a wide spectrum of society,” said Muthambi. She said the word “transformation” was often a loaded one in South Africa, meaning different things to different people and conjuring up several connotations.
“At times it (transformation) has been demonised or resisted, often without reason or just cause. Transformation is about positive change. Everyone in this room knows how much our nation has changed and transformed since 1994,” said Muthambi.
“A snapshot of any newsroom today will certainly better reflect the realities and demographics of our nation than 22 years ago.” Muthambi, however, said the hot topic of transformation of the print media in South Africa could not only be a subject of discussions.
“The issue of print media transformation can no longer be put on hold. Today's colloquium is a chance for all of us to move the discussion forward. This colloquium will focus not only on the mechanisms of transformation, but also on issues of content and diversity,” said Muthambi.
Regarding freedom of the media, Muthambi emphasised that the press in South Africa operated without curtailment.
“In South Africa, the media is free to carry out its vital functions without fear or favour. Since 1994 the media have shone a light on issues that are vital to the public and to our democracy. Freedom of expression and freedom of the press and other media is enshrined in our Constitution,” said Muthambi.
“The Constitution also protects the freedom to receive or impart information or ideas, freedom of artistic creativity and academic freedom. I can assure you that these freedoms are important to government and that we will continue to nurture and protect them. Our commitment to freedom of expression and a free media remains steadfast.”
She said in the view of the South African government, the media remained a key partner in development.
The two-day print media transformation colloquium, which started on Thursday at the Freedom Park in Pretoria, brings together key players in the media industry in consultation on the sector's transformation, accountability and diversity priorities.
Role players, including government officials, civil society, business, academics and media owners are attending the event.
The discussions will include diversity of content and media ownership in a free and democratic society. It will also focus on safeguarding freedom of information and opinion.
African News Agency