This is because since the dawn of the press, journalists have always been at the forefront of wars and challenging historic events to record the evolution of history to readers.

It is no different when covering this global pandemic, as our trusted stable of editors reveal. "Newspapers have a proud record of publishing in times of crisis, from wars to famines and this crisis is no different," says Rapport editor Waldimar Pelser.

"We believe that better outcomes are achieved if the public is equipped with good information so that they can make responsible decisions," adds Pelser.
 
It is in times of uncertainty that credible news sources become even more valuable to the reading public because the cost of inaccurate information can be fatal.

At a time when most South Africans are faced with extraordinary circumstances, Media24's editorial independence says that it has never been more important.

"We were all thrust into a new environment in just a blink of an eye and forced to adapt to new ways of operating, with no preparation and no rehearsals," says Mondli Makhanya, editor-in-chief City Press.

"We have provided our audiences with quality, in-depth and up-to date content and will, no doubt, continue to do so and get even better as this massive story evolves," adds Makhanya.  

Fairness and balance

Media24's brands are governed by the South African Press Council's code of conduct and all the work done is underpinned by journalistic ethics.

This means all content is edited and fact-checked and our editors are the last word in ensuring fairness and balance. 

"In this heightened state of anxiety during the lockdown, our readers need us even more now to bring them credible and trusted information they can rely on, especially to counter the flood of fake news that regularly circulates on social media platforms," notes Daily Sun editor Mapula Nkosi.

Media24 has indicated that its journalists are on the streets, holding both government and civil society accountable; on the first day of lockdown, journalists reported and showed how the lockdown was affecting all of us.

"Even though this is a big story for us as journalists, it is much more than that. It is no exaggeration to say other than the wars, genocides and famines; humanity has never experienced such tragedy in the past century," says Makhanya.

"We are living and recording history, but as journalists we are also in the frontline of fighting this virus. It is more than a story, it is a responsibility," adds Makhanya.

Journalism is, according to Media24, again proving that in a time of crisis, it is of paramount importance for society to function from a place of knowledge.

The onus on responsible brands and marketers is to associate with truth always, and to support the brands that disseminate this truth.

Assuring brand safety

Media24 has indicated that it operates across all platforms, including print, digital and social media. According to the brand, this makes it a valuable asset for any company or organisation wanting to reach existing and new customers. 

"We create bespoke, relevant content with a strong journalistic underpinning. Our readers come first; it is our job to identify the market and create content that helps our readers live their best lives," says the team. 

"So, we don't sell bread and milk; rather, we create excellent content delivered in multiple formats and channels so that it's available in the way consumers want to digest it," the team adds.

The Ads24 sales team additionally creates advertising and communication packages that reach specified audiences across multiple platforms, and ensure a safe environment for brand messaging.

For more information, visit www.media24.com. You can also follow Media24 on Facebook or on Twitter.