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Title Persparadokse Press paradoxes
Full text http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2251
Date 2009
Author(s) De Klerk, Willem J.
Abstract Inaugural lecture--Department of Communication, Rand Afrikaans University, 12 April 1983 - Journalism constitutes professional activity but the author cannot agree with the views of the Steyn Commission of Inquiry into the Mass Media and some academics that journalism should be a profession; furthermore, he holds the view that the inhibiting effect of a register of journalists may eventually prove to be destructive for journalism in South Africa. One of the paradoxes of journalism is that although a professional aspect is involved in its role as information agent, it cannot be regarded as a profession for the following reasons: • A specific and ordered source of knowledge for practising journalism does not exist. It rather belongs to the field of the general practical knowledge than to a specific discipline of science. • Journalism is not sovereign and independent as would be required of a profession. • Like an art, aptitude, talent or an interest, journalism is more of a personal attribute, rather than an acquired (paper) qualification. • Newspapers are institutions of demonstration and not of neutrality. Professionalism may have an effect of cooling down this involvement, thus rendering the communication process sterile. • The judicially evasive matter of intent is an umbilical cord of journalism. • A register of journalists will provide an opportunity for possible abuse to those who regard journalists who carry out their duty, as undesirable. The author suggests that journalism should remain open to all kinds of people and that university training in Communication Studies, at least in the third year, should culminate largely in career-directed training in the practical skills along with theoretical background in the specific direction chosen by the student. The other alternative would be a post-graduate diploma for a practical, career-directed course. A second paradox of journalism is that the press is simultaneously free and restricted. However, the effect in South Africa is that newspapers sometimes lurch between the poles. The English PFP press very often stretches press freedom to the extent that the patriotism of the press is questioned. The Afrikaans press, on the other hand, has a tradition of commitment to the cause of Afrikanerdom and as such is open to criticism of undermining the freedom to know, to inform, to differ and to resist. i It sometimes seems that this obvious commitment to political parties on the part of '! both the English and the Afrikaans press is so emphatic that press freedom suffers. State and public insistence should, likewise, not tamper with the freedom of the press. There are too many threats in this regard. A too "orderly press" contributed to the extinction of German freedom and judgement in the Hitler era. For the very reasons that far-reaching differences exist in the South African society, that racial polarisation is experienced, that we are undermined by revolutionary forces, and that severe confrontation sometimes results from political policies, the freedom of the press should be maintained. The latter will encourage dialogue, bargaining and negotiation. Conflicting political aspirations and a total onslaught can most effectively be kept inproper balance by a free political press, subject to its own control, institutions and codes. However, the press should strive to free itself from the kind of freedom which erodes democracy. Tension between the press and the public is sound and natural. It is part and parcel of the press' position as a risky undertaking. Another paradox is that the press holds the ethical as important yet its functions are ethically risky. It strives for truth, which also implies objectivity, credibility and integrity. These can not always be attained. Deadlines often mean catching the truth like a bird in its flight. The ethical justification for press leaks is often questioned. As long as the press obtain and apply leaks in a responsible way and as long as it does not tamper with truth, fairness and public interest, it is ethically justified. There are, however, many ethical risks in journalism. Its role is to unmask, to delve into the truth. From an ethical viewpoint, it is risky to be the eavesdropper, peeping Tom and tell-tale. It must often compromise to satisfy non-selected readers. It is pushed into the business world of competition, advertising, circulation, profit and loss, which often threatens its ethical norms. Press ethics is a complicated matter, and the South African press deserves more appreciation for its sensitivity and application of ethical norms. The press is both prompter and echo of the society. As far as public opinion is concerned, the press has an intermediate position -on the one hand as reflector, and on the other hand as moulder of the views of society. The author emphasizes its role as prompter of society with specific reference to the Afrikaans press. During the Vorster era, and in the face of considerable opposition from the government and its own readers, the Afrikaans newspapers initiated several enlightened schools of social thought. Against the inborn resistance of many readers, these newspapers persisted in their motivations for change and renewal. As a result of this, a process of change has begun in the National Party. This eventually led to the splitting-off, rifts and new policy statements which characterise the present politics of reformation. The Afrikaans newspapers were and are in the vanguard of the Afrikaner (r)evolution which is breaking through.
Subject(s) Press paradoxes; Journalism - Theory
Language afr
Type of publication Inaugural
Rights University of Johannesburg
Repository Johannesburg - University of Johannesburg
Added to C-A: 2009-06-22;10:12:17