Statement from Samantha Louis, PRISA president
While there is always a need for the Fourth Estate to maintain accountability and to practise their craft responsibly, I do not believe that a Media Appeals Tribunal, as proposed by the ANC, is the answer.

Back in 2008, President Zuma himself said that "a vibrant media is a cornerstone of any democracy". Surely to shift this cornerstone now is to shake the foundations of our young democracy?

In saying this, it is also vital that “self-regulation” means the same thing to every journalist and writer in order for there to be some structure, responsibility and accountability. Because each individual may see self-regulation differently, I believe that there is great value in creating and supporting professional bodies within the communication arena; where professionals in the industry adhere to ethical standards set by themselves and their peers.

One argument by proponents of the Tribunal appears to be the ethical reporting on politicians and senior public figures. However, ethical reporting should not only extend to the “elite”, but to all. Ethical professional bodies see to this, while protecting the rights of all to freedom of speech.

It is PRISA’s hope that the tenets of our Constitution are protected and that all parties are able to come to an equitable arrangement.

Nixon Kariithi on Public Relations and the Corporate Bottom Line

Professor Nixon Kariithi, foremost African media scholar and author, is one of the key speakers in the packed line-up for the 2010 PRISA  National Conference. The professor’s presentation examines the role of public relations in corporate delivery and presents its importance in the light of new research and findings in the academic field.