The Interactive Advertising Bureau South Africa (IAB) has entered into discussions with the South African Press Council to explore the viability of a cross-platform news media code of ethics and voluntary editorial content regulatory system.<\/p>\n
The envisaged code would\u00a0apply to news content across both print and online publications.<\/p>\n
The IAB represents more than 96 local online publishers and 93 creative, media and digital agencies.<\/p>\n
Discussions about the need for a cross media code of conduct began last year and have included the South African National Editor\u2019s Forum (Sanef), the Press Council, the IAB and broadcast role players.<\/p>\n
The aim is to ensure that media outlets report in a fair and ethical manner that protect vulnerable groups, particularly children, and that people who feel aggrieved by news reporting on any platform would know where to turn.<\/p>\n
These bodies have set up a working group to investigate the establishment of a voluntary regulatory regime across media platforms that will cover newsrooms\u2019 editorial content, their social media activities and their handling of user-generated content on their platforms.<\/p>\n
Broadcast complaints are dealt with by the Broadcast Complaints Commission of SA (BCCSA), operating in terms of Icasa and broadcast legislation, which does not cover broadcasters\u2019 online services.<\/p>\n
As a result primarily of significant legislative obstacles, it is unlikely that traditional broadcast media would fall within the ambit of the proposed cross-platform regulatory system, the IAB said.<\/p>\n
On a related note, the Film and Publications Board last week formally introduced its proposed policy to regulate online content, a copy of which also appeared in Thursday\u2019s<\/span> Government Gazette.<\/p>\n Media24 to launch Sapa-replacement news service<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Media predictions for 2015: print is not going anywhere<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nMore on media in SA<\/h3>\n