SECTOR 4 ‘High-level media, like the Mail & Guardian, have dedicated reporters to cover LGBTI issues, so there is a lot more depth and accuracy, particularly with regard to trans issues, and the correct use of [related] pronouns.’ The dailies were highlighted for having a strong emphasis around sensationalism and gratuitous violence, often with ‘highly inaccurate’ reporting when it came to these and other matters, such as women’s issues. ‘Usually the daily news reports around LGBTI issues are done from a secondary reporting standpoint and the journalists rely on sources rather than being on the scene themselves. TV reporting generally is also known for a lot of inaccurate use of knowledge or information around trans/intersex issues. There is often poor research in this regard and during live interview shows, it is clear that the journalists are ill prepared. Often there is no attention to detail and the focus is rather on violence and rape – anything outside does not get attention from the media.’ Having a Press Ombudsman in South Africa is largely considered as positive, but a panellist noted, ‘How do I go to the Press Council and say the media needs to stop portraying queer people only as victims of violence in general?’ Domestic violence was another area where it was felt that the media was not fair or accurate. ‘One of my personal bugbears is about the believability of sexual violence cases and how they are reported. If someone reports a rape, it’s called an alleged rape, and I don’t feel the victim’s side is respected, and this is likely a reflection of the patriarchal society we live in.’ Said one panellist, ‘Accuracy for me is not a problem, generally. It’s more about the quality of the reporting.’ In terms of the private print and electronic press, the Daily Maverick, Mail & Guardian, City Press and amaBhungane were praised for their detailed, critical reporting which was ‘compelling and intriguing’. The Mail & Guardian’s beatreporter approach was hailed as producing in-depth articles. News24, however, was mentioned for posting some superficial news stories, often with misleading and sensationalist headlines. The shrinking and juniorisation of newsrooms was also a point of concern. ‘If you look at the number of print publications we do have, we are not doing too badly in terms of accuracy, but newsrooms are pretty bleak now. They have been decimated. There is more of a focus on online rather than print and there is less specialisation of journalists. Even the number of staff at Times Live [owned by Tiso Blackstar, formerly Times Media Limited] has dropped from 20 to four in two years, and salaries have been reduced. The economics are relevant in terms of the quality. And their lack of sustainability does impact on how the media contribute to its supposed role.’ 48 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SOUTH AFRICA 2018