Pretoria - The coverage of news in a more patriotic manner does not mean that journalists should not report in an objective and balanced manner, says President Jacob Zuma.
In a written reply to a parliamentary question on Tuesday, President Zuma said the call for more patriotic coverage of news was a general call to all media, not to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) specifically.
“Broadcasting patriotic news, objectivity and balance are not mutually exclusive.
“It means ensuring balance and fairness and putting the country first before any other consideration,” President Zuma said.
He said the call for a more patriotic style of journalism could not be interpreted as an attempt to interfere with editorial independence.
“Covering stories exposing corruption for example, in a balanced and fair manner, could also count as patriotism,” he said, adding that balance and fairness were the hallmarks of good journalism.
The Presidency, in making the call for a more patriotic style of journalism, did not intend to undermine those principles.
“It is a call to the media to cover all sides of the South African story and ensure that a balanced and fuller picture emerges of the country and its achievements as well as challenges,” Zuma said. – SAnews.gov.za
