The second edition of Media Ethics in the South African context explores the dynamic and potentially explosive field of media ethics from a South African perspective.

Grounded in ethical theory, the public philosophies of communication and media performance norms, this text provides guidelines for the individual’s ethical decision making; for both media practitioners and media groups.

Cutting-edge analysis of the South African normative context under the previous and present political dispensations makes this book essential reading for media policy formulators and students alike. Changes in the normative context are presenting the South African news media in particular, with new challenges.

Addenda include rules of procedure and code of conduct of the Press Ombudsman of South Africa, the Constitution, code and procedures of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa, and the code of conduct of the Public Relations Institute of South Africa.

The first edition of Media Ethics in the South African context was hailed as a seminal introductory text on media ethics when it was published in 2002. The second edition offers new meta-ethical and normative insights, as well as a brand new analysis of the current South African normative context.

Current contentious issues that come up for discussion in the text include:

• deteriorating relations between the press and the government

• increased pressure on the media’s monitorial function

• developments around ownership and control

• plans to introduce a Media Appeals Tribunal

• an increase in control and secrecy

• obligations and expectations surrounding media performance.

Unit 1: Media ethics as a field of study

Unit 2: Meta-ethics as a guideline for individual conduct

Unit 3: Normative media ethics

Unit 4: Legislation

Unit 5: Media ethics in the South African context

Unit 6: Towards a model for analysis