Media Statement 24 August 2000 The Freedom of Expression Institute welcomes the release of the SA Human Rights Commission Report on its investigation into racism in the media: Faultlines.

The Institute believes that it contains a genuine attempt to balance freedom of expression rights with the rights to equality and dignity.

Despite a finding that South African media can be characterised as racist institutions, it is also reassuring to note that the Commission found no evidence of the mainstream media indulging in blatant advocacy of racial hatred or incitement to racial violence.

We are particularly pleased to note the positive recommendations relating to training, racism awareness sessions, cultural and media diversity and the endorsement of the establishment of a media development agency. FXI will certainly be looking at how we as an organisation can take these matters forward.

On the issue of regulation, FXI believes that the suggestion that SANEF convene either a study and/or a conference on media freedom and effective monitoring and accountability, is a sensible one. However, we do not believe that this calls for a regulatory framework to be included in legislation which is suggested in the alternative.

Issued 24 August 2000

Cotacts : Laura Pollecutt @ 011 403 8403 / 083 604 1073 or Nanagolo Leopeng @ 082 897 5452