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Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No. 36 of 2005)

Regulations

Regulations regarding the Code of Conduct for Broadcasting Service Licensees

10. News

 

1) Broadcasting service licensees must report news truthfully, accurately and fairly.

 

2) News must be presented in the correct context and in a fair manner, without intentional or negligent departure from the facts, whether by:
a) Distortion, exaggeration or misrepresentation.
b) Material omissions; or
c) Summarisation

 

3) Only that which may reasonably be true, having reasonable regard to the source of the news, may be presented as fact, and such fact must be broadcast fairly with reasonable regard to context and importance.

 

4) Where a report is not based on fact or is founded on opinion, supposition, rumours or allegations, it must be presented in such manner as to indicate clearly that such is the case.

 

5) Where there is reason to doubt the correctness of the report and it is practical to verify the correctness thereof, the report must be verified. Where such verification is not practical, that fact must be mentioned in the report.

 

6) Where it subsequently appears that a broadcast report was incorrect In a material respect, it must be rectified forthwith, without reservation or delay. The rectification must be presented with such a degree of prominence and timing as in the circumstances may be adequate and fair so as to readily attract attention.

 

7) The identity of rape victims and other victims of sexual violence must not be divulged in any broadcast, whether as part of news or not, without the prior valid consent of the victim concerned.

 

8) Broadcasting service licensees must advise viewers in advance of scenes or reporting of extraordinary violence, or graphic reporting on delicate subject matter such as sexual assault or court action related to sexual crimes, particularly during afternoon or early evening newscasts and updates.

 

9) Broadcasting service licensees must not include explicit or graphic language related to news of destruction, accidents or sexual violence which could disturb children or sensitive audiences, except where it is in the public interest to include such material.