Relations between the Media and State structures on communication issues and prospects for the digital future Guy Berger, Rhodes University “Connecting with the media, 2008” 5 September, Port Elizabeth

Media and state

South Africa - still a new kid on the block, in an age of: n Globalisation n New technology n The Information Society

Shiny constitution n Free speech n Free press n Freedom of info

But: suspicion, aggro

Uncertainty of new government

This is how many in government see the media

A Grahamstown story of a failed attempt to chow the press

Makana’s ad boycott violated: 4 clauses in the constitution, 2 laws on municipalities, and Promotion of Admin Justice Act.

It’s not only state-media We have to remember the people watching us both.

They don’t want to see opps pass South Africa by

We all need to rise above our differences…

Partnerships are critical in the Information society: Reflect that: n Info = the means of production n Growing sector of workforce

In search of better relations, don’t bark up the wrong tree…

Editors dialoging with police

Building info- flows through Standing Order 156

Any SAPS member can talk to the media : n Within expertise or responsibility; n Without jeopardising police work; n Not on bank robberies, victims, suspects, court cases, wanted persons and suicides.

Filtering is limited: n Requests for info on national investigations, statistics, crime trends, and national political figures referred upwards. n General Result: on all else, media can get concrete details and colour direct from source, doing better journalism.

Ethics: Police are Not to exercise favouritism by giving news to one medium and not another. Discouraged from giving confidential briefings. To keep confidentiality on journalists’ exclusive requests for information.

And they need to upskill: Eg. DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS Municipalities need to develop similar protocols to SAPS

Great media liaison… n 1. Be Available! n 2. Be Prepared! n 3. Feed the beast!

Three principles… 1. If you don’t know an answer, never lie or make it up. 2. Tell the reporter you’ll get right back to them with the info they want, and do so! 3. Or, give the reporter a contact who does know the answer.

No one can make good news out of bad practice n Remember…

Listen.. Don’t only seek to speak

If you are wronged… 1. Ask for a correction 2. Ask for the editor or producer 3. Escalate to Press ombudsman or the BCCSA 4. Consider legal action

Also: output your info through other channels speeches briefings, reports in interviews govt media on Internet

Combat a culture of secrecy: n Many officials treat the information they hold as their private property, not even that of their department

A logistical challenge: n Under apartheid, probably 90% of information was controlled. n In a democracy, 90% is theoretically available. n How can this become practically available?

Availability of govt info 80% unrestricted 10% restricted 10% unrestricted & available

Value of information: n The 10% distributed often has lower value to citizens than the other 80%. Why? n Information distributed widely, must have general appeal. n Other 80% of info has more value, because it is more specific.

When a new tech comes along …things change

Is new media catching us napping?

Summing up n Two sides need each other. n State-side has a major role to play in realising free flow of info. n State-side can strengthen itself with basic comms training. n And by e-governance big time!

Towards the golden age?