SECTOR 4 think of hundreds of issues screaming for attention. I have heard the arguments about numbers, but I’m not convinced. I think there is a leverage that allows papers to produce something more reflective.” “Where the media positions itself is going to be critical.” The problem is compounded by tabloid-style weeklies that started publishing in recent years. “They exist in a vacuum of their own, and undermine efforts by other media to create a conducive environment. The editors do not belong to professional bodies, so you don’t know how to call them to order. They are pushing personal agendas. They seem to have little advertising but continue, which suggests they have sponsors. While we thought it was good to have these new publications, it is difficult to hold them to account … It makes you wonder if this is what we want in terms of media diversity.” Some panellists said they had noticed improvements in the balance of stories in the two dailies in that, increasingly, the media were at least allowing the subjects of their coverage the right to reply. “You can see there has been an attempt to get the other side of the story; they seem to be conscious about the need to do this … I think people are complaining now. You can see, even with the broadcasters, people call in and complain to the media.” Balance is one thing, but accuracy is another. One panellist noted the tendency of people to buy space in newspapers in order to publish statements giving their side of a story. “People feel their story won’t be published therefore they buy space in the paper instead. Often, you see a statement, as well as a story based on the same statement. That arises from a concern about a lack of accuracy in reporting.” Journalists are under pressure to submit stories – at least three a day. This pressure is compounded by the lack of resources available to most journalists, who sometimes do not have the time or the means to get confirmation of a story. A concern was also raised about the proliferation of opinion within what is supposed to be “news” media. “Sometimes there are more opinion pieces than factual stories.” “Sometimes there are more opinion pieces than factual stories.” Editors on the panel accepted that “we are not perfect”. “We make mistakes. It’s the nature of the industry we are in. But it is not for the lack of trying. I think we have gone to considerable lengths to … balance stories. It is very unfortunate if the perception is that we are not doing enough. I have taken several journalists to task for not getting a person’s side of the story, and to list the number of times we have tried to get hold of them. At times journalists are withdrawing from doing stories because they know they won’t get comment … It’s amazing how people try to hide information. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SWAZILAND 2011 59