In a statement published on Sunday, 14 February, Sanef said a council meeting was held in Cape Town on Saturday, 13 February, it was “deliberated extensively” on how the consequences of such pressures have manifested themselves in the form of direct proprietor or managerial interference in editorial decision-making process. 

Such interference had also manifested itself indirectly, through the blurring of lines between advertising and editorial content.

“This conflictual and strained relationship between editors and proprietors/managers has resulted in the resignation of a number of editors over the past two years, an untenable situation that threatens the very essence of media freedom that is crucial to the sustenance of our democracy,” the forum said.

“In light of these serious threats and in recognition of the real implications of the evolvement of our industry, council decided to commission research on the new media landscape and possible models and solutions.”

The forum envisaged such a process could culminate in a meeting with media proprietors and managers to establish new rules of engagement regarding editorial independence and ethical advertising. 

“Until such time that our research is concluded, Sanef calls on proprietors and management to allow editors to exercise their editorial discretion and work without any interference,” Sanef said.

“Council also met the leadership of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and agreed that there is a need for an urgent engagement with political parties about respecting the role of the media and protecting journalists from any form of political harassment and intimidation.”

It was also agreed the Sanef would urgently meet the leadership of the Economic Freedom Fighters to discuss the implications of their decision to threaten journalist from media outlets owned by the Gupta family.

“Council also heard a presentation from Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration, Ayanda Dlodlo, who chairs the global Open Government Partnership [OGP],” Sanef said.

“We agreed that her OGP office will help sensitise government officials about their legal obligations to provide information to the public in line with the Promotion of Access to Information Act and to give expression to the principle of open governance.”

For more information, visit www.sanef.org.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Twitter.