The news media in South Africa have a long and dark history of being used to oppress the majority during colonialism and apartheid. In the new context of societal transformation and constitutional democracy since 1994, media diversity is crucial. And the need for ethical journalism is paramount.
Media ethics act as a moral compass guiding journalists, media organisations and regulatory bodies through the twists and turns of news reporting. This is especially important in complex and contested places like South Africa. The importance of media ethics in safeguarding truth, objectivity and public trust cannot be overstated. Ethics help to avoid misinformation, societal polarisation, and the erosion of public faith in the media.
Media scholars such as Eric Louw and Johannes Froneman have examined the challenges of establishing ethical media norms during the period of transition from apartheid in the early 1990s.
