Your password will be sent to this address. Embed Video Popup Video Instagram. Download Buy Photos. It is not often in practice that one can achieve success in a matter, as well as achieve a benefit for wider society. Very recently we have been able to do both. Broadcast media and in particular television, enjoy a powerful position in South Africa. Statements made on a television news programme, especially one which ostensibly enjoys a good reputation, will be taken by the viewer of that programme as being truthful.
Such power is therefore accompanied by the power to do great damage to the reputations of parties who are the subjects of programmes — since what is stated about those parties is perceived to be the truth. With such great power ought to come great responsibility to ensure such truthfulness. When broadcasters make statements which impact upon others, they should take the necessary precautionary steps to ensure that these statements are accurate, and also be prepared to take responsibility if they are not.
The broadcast media in South Africa is self-regulated. The BCCSA is in fact an association of broadcasters whose members have chosen to be self-regulated rather than state-regulated. This is in the interests of press freedom. The Code regulates the manner in which members must present programmes to meet prescribed standards of fairness and accuracy. Audiences of broadcasts whether radio or TV will know the existence of the Code is frequently publicised - they are reminded that complaints may be made to the BCCSA if such standards are not met.
On the face of it, therefore, the broadcast media is meant to be responsible for its conduct or, if it deviates from its self-imposed standards, its misconduct.
What the general broadcast public may not know, however, is that buried within the Constitution of the BCCSA existed, until very recently, a procedural rule which undermined the rights of the complaining public.
This provision expressly protected broadcasters from the consequences of their actions. This has now been found to be unconstitutional. The particular provision of the procedural Code which has been found to be offensive and unconstitutional is or rather was sub-rule 3. Sub-rule 3. As will be appreciated when considering this provision, this has far reaching consequences for members of the public who complain.
The effect of sub-rule 3. The BCCSA can thus refuse to discharge its statutory obligation to investigate and adjudicate complaints if a complainant wishes to retain the right to pursue a civil claim against an offending broadcaster in due course.
In other words, a complainant could be required to pay the price of losing all its rights to its civil remedies against a broadcaster whatever these may be in order to determine whether or not a broadcast adverse to its interests also amounted to a breach of the Code of the BCCSA. The Chairperson of the BCCSA may, if satisfied that no injustice will result, and upon such conditions as he or she may impose:. Any reference in these rules to a number of days includes Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, unless the adjudicator or Chairperson, as the case may be, determines otherwise and notifies the parties accordingly.
Aims and Objectives of the BCCSA The aims and objectives of the BCCSA are to ensure the adherence to high standards in broadcasting as well as a speedy and cost effective settlement of complaints against the Broadcasters who have submitted themselves to its jurisdiction, the Code of Conduct and Procedure. Acceptance of Code of Conduct and Procedure 3. The Appointment Committee 4.
Functions of the Appointment Committee 5. Appointment of Registrar 6. Appointment of Commissioners 7. General appointment provisions 8. Disqualification for appointment as Commissioner 9. Powers of a Tribunal Following any investigation of an alleged infringement of the Code of Conduct by a Broadcaster, a Tribunal may Appeals Notices Reporting requirements Amendment of the Constitution, Procedure, and the Code of Conduct Termination of membership Dissolution Transitional provisions Complaints 1.
Conciliation and Adjudication Procedure by Adjudicator 2. Certifying paper copies of original electronic documents: recommendations on how commissioners of oaths can stay on the right side of the law 30th May, The beauty of anton piller applications 10th July, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website.
Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent.
You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
0コメント