I've just finished viewing another piece on present day South Africa, sent to me by a resident and long time friend living there.

Essentially, 'snaps' from internal and external media sources, all dutifully reporting on the burgeoning levels of violence in that beautiful country.

As a keen student of RSA and Zimbabwe, I've quiety observed from afar, the changing events post 1994 with the predicted downfall of the last vestiges of apartheid. Sharing the same hopes of everyone for an enduring peace, and for all to live together harmoniously. And for that great nation to finally vanquish it's intractable problems of race and inequality, and to once more grow into that prosperous nation, nestled at the foot of that dark and composite continent of, Africa.

However, this is NOT about South Africa, nor the topic ? You see, what troubles me, is how much trust or conviction should I place in those media Networks, with respect to their autonomy and veracity, of what's being reported on those events that are allegedly occuring in the country now ?

There's no doubt, the media are immensly powerful, so powerful in fact, it's been said they can make or break governments ? And often there's been a story, or an article that lacks some or many of the facts. Even then, rather than overt public censure, it just 'slips through to the keeper'. It's rare also, to see the media ever brought to account. Even less so to be forced to make an apology.

When I was working, my Inspector was terrified of speaking to an 'on camera' journo' about a crime. But a week in the 'Box', was just a yawn to him ? On quite a few occasions we've utilised the media, as a medium to assist us in getting out an important message for us ! A real public service, on our behalf. Therefore, if they can't be totally trusted, why then do we seek to use 'em ? A little captious perhaps ?

If we can't TRUST the media, from what source do we get our information ?

o sung wu the corporate media and the ABC are compulsive liars.A good start for unbiased truth is http://www.globalresearch.ca/

What a difficult topic. I mean between the 6 o'clock cartoon network which can't even get the weather right and the 6.30 televending shows like A Current Advertisement. What news do we actually get that we can be critical of? And don't say the ABC. I've just finished airing out my keyboard after spraying my last drink on it from some fool here that believes in his media friends.

I don't know about South Africa, but does Australia actually have a legitimate news network?

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If we can't TRUST the media, from what source do we get our information ?
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Your own gut instincts I guess. Everyone has an agenda these days and it would seem the truth just isn't profitable anymore.

The Media - injurious or beneficial? Both !

Hi there ARJAY & RAWMUSTARD...

Many thanks for your link there ARJAY, I really appreciate it. And I tend to agree with your assertion apropos the ABC and the Commercial Media. Personally, I believe the ABC is merely an advertising extension of the Australian Labour Party. Those individuals in the Parliamentry Press Gallery amount to naught when it comes to impartiality.

Further, the National Press Club, in Canberra would be far better served as a waste recycling facility. As it's current role almost replicates that of waste recycling ? More as a consequence of it's august members who seem to be the purveyors of waste and other fetid detritus that can only emenate from such a source.

Notwithstanding they possess a responsibility to impart, 'The Truth'... report (not contrive) the factual news without imburing it, in any way, with their own opinions, prejudices and other sordid thoughts they believe the public should mandatorily consume.

As a former copper, I can affirm absolutely, there's not one amongst them, that I'd EVER trust with recording, and then reporting, the truth ! Sad really ?

Yes RAWMUSTARD...

My reference to South Africa was merely a vehicle to illustrate the disgusting treatment occasioned by the media, of those poor souls involved in the critical events of the last few days. The facts of which, should have been handled tactfully and sensitively, rather than just being thrown together by a 'fly in fly out' bunch of reporters from the BBC, CNN, and ors. as well as other internal African media groups.

It's truly amazing, these foreign media types, just arrive en masse, and leave without any thought for accuracy or the consequence of their 'copy'. A really sad state of affairs when you think of it ?

Many thanks for your contribution.

o sung wo, good thread.
I think it needs exploring.
But have for quite some time believed/known media is not trustworthy.
We may be to blame for that, we require more and more news.
Private ownership has always played out as private opinions are given more air than balanced truth.