The role of MEDIA in a DEMOCRACY Lesson 1

The role of MEDIA in a DEMOCRACY In a democratic society, the media have the responsibility of promoting democratic principles such as transparency, accountability and freedom of speech. Their role is to empower country’s citizens by keeping them constantly informed… Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

The role of MEDIA in a DEMOCRACY Keep citizens informed of: Current affairs (significant events, sport, business & economics, politics, crime etc.) Their rights & responsibilities as citizens Information affecting their democratic decision making & public participation (such as political party policies and actions, corruption, mismanagement, fraud etc.) Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

The role of MEDIA in a DEMOCRACY The media should also create a platform for: Sharing ideas and opinions Discussion and debate around key issues Furthermore the media’s role is also to: Entertain and educate their audiences Promote nation building Encourage diversity of expression Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

The role of MEDIA in a DEMOCRACY The media should report in a manner that is: Objective, factual and unbiased The media must also: Consult multiple sources to form an accurate and holistic picture of events Verify their sources Give political parties equal coverage Act as a watchdog / whistle blower Prioritize the interests of the public Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

The role of MEDIA in a DEMOCRACY However, we must not forget, that much of South Africa’s media is privately owned and whilst the media’s role is to provide a SERVICE to the people… the media’s actions are also driven by a strong PROFIT MOTIVE. Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

The role of MEDIA in a DEMOCRACY according to South Africa’s Constitution… Everyone has the right to access any information: held by the state held by another person that has to do with the protection of any rights Everyone, including the media, has the right to Freedom of Expression Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION (according to SA’s Bill of Rights) EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION WHICH INCLUDES: Freedom of the press and other media Freedom to receive or impart information or ideas Freedom of artistic creativity Academic freedom and freedom of scientific research Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

Limitations of Freedom of Expression THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION DOES NOT EXTEND TO: Propaganda for war Incitement of imminent violence Advocacy of hatred based on race, ethnicity, gender or religion Incitement to cause harm Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

Freedom of Expression Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

Issues relating to MEDIA in a DEMOCRACY Lesson 2

MEDIA and DEMOCRACY: Key issues for discussion MEDIA BIAS GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE??? Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

MEDIA and DEMOCRACY: Key issues for discussion MEDIA BIAS Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

MEDIA and DEMOCRACY: Key issues for discussion MEDIA BIAS - questions Do you think the media in South Africa is able to freely provide information without government censorship? To what extent do you believe the media in South Africa is influenced or controlled by the government? How might the media convey biased ideas under the guise of objectivity? What effect might biased reporting have on South Africa’s democracy? Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

MEDIA and DEMOCRACY: Key issues for discussion CENSORSHIP Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

MEDIA and DEMOCRACY: Key issues for discussion CENSORSHIP Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

MEDIA and DEMOCRACY: Key issues for discussion CENSORSHIP -questions Why might a government censor or control information that the public receive through the media? Are there any good or sound reasons for government to censor information available to the public? How might a government censor information without the public being made aware of this censorship? Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

MEDIA and DEMOCRACY: Key issues for discussion PROPAGANDA Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

MEDIA and DEMOCRACY: Key issues for discussion PROPAGANDA Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

MEDIA and DEMOCRACY: Key issues for discussion PROPAGANDA - questions What does South Africa’s Constitution say about propaganda? Does one find more examples of propaganda in print or electronic media? Why is this so? Should political parties be allowed to broadcast advertisements that attempt to win over voters? Could allowing political propaganda in the media be detrimental to a democracy in any way? Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

MEDIA and DEMOCRACY: Key issues for discussion SENSATIONALISM Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

MEDIA and DEMOCRACY: Key issues for discussion SENSATIONALISM Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

MEDIA and DEMOCRACY: Key issues for discussion SENSATIONALISM - questions What does South Africa’s Constitution say about sensationalism? Does one find more examples of sensationalism in print or electronic media? Why is this so? Are there consequences for the media if they are found guilty of sensational reporting? Could allowing sensationalism in the media be detrimental to a democracy in any way? Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

Key issues for discussion SOCIAL MEDIA IN A DEMOCRACY MEDIA and DEMOCRACY: Key issues for discussion SOCIAL MEDIA IN A DEMOCRACY Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

Key issues for discussion SOCIAL MEDIA IN A DEMOCRACY - questions MEDIA and DEMOCRACY: Key issues for discussion SOCIAL MEDIA IN A DEMOCRACY - questions How might the reality of social media affect the role of more traditional media in a democracy? Is social media subject to the Constitution? If so, how is this monitored? How might social media be used to promote public participation and further the advancement of democratic principles? Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

Key issues for discussion THREATENING PRESS FREEDOM MEDIA and DEMOCRACY: Key issues for discussion THREATENING PRESS FREEDOM Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

Key issues for discussion THREATENING PRESS FREEDOM MEDIA and DEMOCRACY: Key issues for discussion THREATENING PRESS FREEDOM Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

Key issues for discussion THREATENING PRESS FREEDOM - questions MEDIA and DEMOCRACY: Key issues for discussion THREATENING PRESS FREEDOM - questions Who defends the rights of the media in South Africa? What can be done in a democratic society when the rights to access information and freedom of expression are limited by legislation such as that of the Protection of State Information Act (commonly known as the Secrecy Bill)? How might limiting these rights in this manner affect: a) the media? b) our democracy? Types of Media Then & now: Apartheid censorship Social Media & awareness of issues Protection of Information Act Media freedom Political satire: Zapiro

ACTIVITY Define the following concepts: Paparazzi Whistle - blower Freedom of expression

Identify One organisation or institution that controls and regulates the media in South Africa and explain its man function. Discuss THREE responsibilities of the media in a democratic society Evaluate the extent to which media reporting reflects a democratic society with regard to: Topics covered Positions taken up by editors Space allocated to topics