On this page, we will discuss what responsibilities the media have in its exercise of the right to freedom of expression in democratic South Africa. The core ethics of media are to be fair, honest and reliable. However, the media may tend to prioritise making money over its ethics principles. That’s when the media do not fulfill their roles responsibly.
Which specific rights are related to the application of media freedom and why
The specific rights that are related to the application of media freedom are the rights of freedom of speech and expression. This simply means that, everyone (including the media) can say or print or photograph whatever they want provided they do not break the law.
Watch: Media and Freedom
List of responsibilities that the media have in its exercise of the right to freedom of expression
Below are the responsibilities that the media have in its exercise of the right to freedom of expression
- The role of the media is to inform society about daily events that are newsworthy.
- In a democracy, the media’s communicated, and educate.
- The media play an important role in informing citizens about their government, their rights and freedom and their health and safety.
- expose violations of human rights
- report on unlawful activities, the courts and court cases
- expose corruption and mismanagement
- communicate, inform and educate and entertain
- shape the public’s opinion
- give political information that can inform voters
- identify problems in our country and communities
- promote debate and discussion
- promote nation-building, by giving access to diverse viewpoints and world views, as well as sports cover