Journalists and social justice in South Africa

Abstract

South African journalists have never operated in a climate where ethical behavior was the primary priority. Since 1990 news emphasis is no longer only about the white minority oppressing the black majority. News has become complex and media consumers clearly need help in understanding it Both journalists and editors are now attempting to put the difficulties they face into words. Here informing the public and observing ethical rules often clash. The author warns that South African journalists should not be exposed to the red envelope syndrome of China where reporters demand pay for favorable coverage of institutions. South African journalism should take a note from the book of the American Society of Newspaper Editors' statement of principles of 1975.