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A system of independent co-regulation between the public and press without state or government participation was recommended in
the Press Freedom Commission (PFC) report released in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
"From the extensive studies conducted, the PFC concludes that an independent co-regulatory mechanism, not including state
participation, will best serve press freedom in the country," the report said.
They recommended a system of people drawn mostly from various sections of the public outside the press industry to ensure
independence.
This is in response to the public's dissatisfaction with the current system and the public's rejection of government
involvement. An independent system would be accountable to the public.
The report follows a series of hearings earlier this year led by former chief justice Pius Langa and the receipt of over 230
submissions. Major recommendations include that the number of public members be increased in the governing structure of the Press Council of SA and the Appeals Committee.
It is proposed that employees of the press not be eligible to sit in the adjudication committees. This would give the public more
say.
The report recommends the physical separation of the Press Council of SA from premises shared with publishers and editors.
It seeks the scrapping of a waiver that complainants do not go to court, and recommends that a "public advocate" initiates cases
in the public interest if no complaint is received. Fines, suspension or even expulsion from the jurisdiction of the
ombudsman were recommended.
"Space fines" -- where the size of an apology is dictated -- will be a form of monetary punishment as advertising revenue would
be lost, and the right of reply would be fortified, said the report.
