Media 'not playing their part'

2008-10-22 17:35

Cape Town - Some sections of the media are failing to play their part in keeping the public properly informed about international events, such as the global economic turmoil, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel said on Wednesday.

During an interaction with members of Parliament's finance committees on his medium-term budget policy statement (MTBPS), Manuel was asked, among other things, about the international economic turmoil.

It was also suggested a special briefing for MPs be held on the matter.

Manuel said he would like another discussion with members on the international economy and was considering preparing a little pamphlet ahead of the discussion, so that "it can be from the same information".

One of the difficulties was that the media did not help to inform the public, instead, editorialising everything in South Africa.

"Sometimes you think that some of the journalists are spokespersons for particular individuals or particular groupings. So we're left uninformed," he said.

"You know, on the day when the Dow [New York Stock Exchange index] was going through its most difficult issue, our public broadcaster chose to lead with a story about [Bafana Bafana soccer coach] Joel Santana's inability to speak English.

"Now, I think it's disrespectful to all of us as South Africans. We must be heard about these issues. It can't be correct.

"Every television station around the world was carrying the story; we are interested in the football coach and his ability to speak English. It can't be correct.

"I think that as South Africans we deserve a better quality press. We need an information flow that helps people understand," Manuel said.

- SAPA