Summary of the Press statement issued by the FXI at a Press Conference on 14 January 1996

Topic: FXI investigation into the media for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

1. The FXI regards other media bodies such as the Black Editors Forum (BEF) and the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) as fraternal organisations and differences between us should not as a matter of process be conducted through the media. At this point, however, we believe that we have to set the record straight in relation to the allegations which have been made against us through the media.

2. We are calling upon the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to urgently convene a meeting between itself, the FXI, the BEF and SANEF, as well as the media trade unions, so that we can jointly discuss the issues which have arisen and to try and solve our problems before its meeting scheduled for January 23. This will also assist the TRC in arriving at a decision at this meeting as to how to proceed with its media investigation.

3. In relation to the criticisms which have been expressed about the FXI co-ordinating this media investigation, we would like to record the following:

3.1 The fundamental objection against the FXI conducting this investigation is invalid. This argument is that the FXI chairperson, Mr Raymond Louw, was employed by the South African Associated Newspapers company and thus has a history in the English-language press. Therefore the FXI will not be able to conduct an impartial investigation. The fact is that the FXI has appointed researchers from outside of the FXI to conduct this investigation, and therefore this argument does not stand.

3.2 Another criticism is that the TRC should not be using an "intermediary" organisation in its media investigation and that the media should be investigated in the same way as everyone else. The TRC is using other NGOs in its investigations into other professions such as the medical and the legal fraternity. Furthermore, the FXI will not be mediating between the TRC and any media bodies or individuals and nor will it be mediating anyone's views. We will only be presenting the findings of our own researchers. Anyone is free to testify before the TRC on any relevant matter, and this will also be the case when the TRC begins to hold hearings on the media.

3.3. The research we are conducting is also of a specialized nature and does not consist of the kind of information which is likely to emerge piecemeal through individual testimonies. It will only emerge as a consequence of in-depth research.

3.4 Our chaiperson, Raymond Louw, is not a sole decision-maker in the FXI. Executive decision-making powers vest collectively in our 12-person executive committee. It has a proud and venerable non-racial track record and cannot be faulted on the basis of it not being representative.

This statement is issued by: