JOHANNESBURG – The Independent Media (Pty) Ltd and Independent Online (IOL) made an announcement yesterday about the official exit from the Press Council of South Africa (PCSA). Independent Media and IOL have decided to step away from the PCSA, citing the Council’s poor handling of situation and various concerns.
“This so-called “expulsion” used in the publication by PCSA is nothing more than a trivial gesture, a feeble attempt to twist the narrative in their favor says IOL.
According to IOL, the PCSA is merely a voluntary group, lacking any legal authority or official regulatory power. It’s not a statutory body, which means it has no power to impose its decisions on media outlets that choose to operate beyond its reach. Therefore, Independent Media and IOL are under no obligation to follow the PCSA’s rules or verdicts and will continue to uphold our journalistic integrity on our own terms.
The leadership of the PCSA appears to be more interested in catering to the whims of Independent Media and IOL’s critics and their shadowy financial backers. This raises some serious questions: Who exactly is the PCSA really serving? For an organization that touts transparency, their reluctance to reveal their funding sources is quite alarming. It leaves us pondering whether their decisions are swayed by those who wish to stifle independent journalism and silence a variety of voices. Independent Media and IOL firmly reject any attempts at hidden influence that aim to sneak censorship back into the conversation.
Independent Media and IOL have long been unwavering elements of media freedom and independent journalism, and are not about to back down now. The choice to step away from the PCSA speaks volumes about the dedication to safeguarding press freedom.
IOL refuse to compromise the principles or bow to any entity that threatens the integrity of independent journalism: to serve the public interest with audacious, fair, and balanced reporting, untainted by outside influences.
In keeping with global best practices, we are thrilled to announce the revival of our Group Ombudsman Office. This vital institution, which previously operated for five years, will once again be the cornerstone for addressing media-related grievances and ensuring accountability in journalism.
The Office of the Group Ombud is a regulatory body dedicated to upholding ethical standards within Independent Media. Its primary role is to protect the public interest by advocating for responsible journalism, defending individual rights, and promoting transparency in our media practices. The Ombud will set forth clear guidelines for reporting, striking a harmonious balance between freedom of expression and responsible communication.
Aneez Salie, public editor, will take the helm as chairman of the adjudication panel. With his extensive experience in newsroom leadership and a strong commitment to press freedom, he is an invaluable asset in ensuring that complaints are handled fairly. Meanwhile, Ighsaan Higgins, a highly esteemed attorney with deep expertise in media law, will lead the appeals panel, ensuring that the appeals process remains just and impartial.
Across the globe, leading media organizations have embraced self-regulation through their own internal press ombudsman offices. Renowned publications like The Guardian in the UK and The New York Times in the US have set the benchmark for self-regulation, balancing accountability with independence.
By reintroducing the Group Ombudsman Office, Independent Media and IOL align ourselves with these global standards, reaffirming our commitment to responsible journalism. We are resolute in our mission to deliver independent journalism that amplifies diverse voices and encourages critical thought. With the reinstatement of our Ombudsman Office, we will continue to hold ourselves accountable, uphold the highest journalistic standards, and fiercely protect our independence.
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