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Anti discrimination unit

As part of the Media Monitoring Project’s daily work, we undertake monitoring based on issues of discrimination. Falling under the Anti Discrimination Unit, it includes daily monitoring activities, which are most often presented as comprehensive analyses of media coverage of particular issues. These regular analyses highlight the presence of discriminatory reports, as well as reports that are exceptional in their challenging of stereotypes and discrimination.

The primary focus of the unit is to monitor human rights-related issues, including race, gender, children, poverty, HIV/AIDS, crime, disability and stories relating to Africa.

The aims and objectives of the Anti Discrimination Unit are:

To highlight discriminatory reporting in a clear and understandable manner
To promote debates and constructive discussions by working with the media to provide practical suggestions for improvement
To defend the freedom of expression and human rights
To extend and entrench a human rights culture within the media to better inform both the public and representative public bodies of human rights issues in the media
To promote ethical journalism, by pointing out and helping to eradicate instances of unethical journalistic practice

Please browse through our past updates.

Media Articles

Current Articles | Categories | Search | Syndication

Articles from March 2007

Monday, March 19, 2007

… in every matter concerning the child
By MMP @ 10:26 AM :: 4336 Views :: 0 Comments :: Media freedom and performance, Children

On the 21st of March, all people in South Africa celebrate Human Rights Day which commemorates the Sharpville massacre of 1960 and the signing of the Constitution. This is the same Constitution that guarantees the rights of children. In fact, Article 28.2 says ‘A child's best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child’.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Empowering Messages, Improving Lives
By MMP @ 2:20 PM :: 1992 Views :: 0 Comments :: Gender

Gender based violence is a gross violation of human rights. As we approach International Human Rights Day, it is critical that we raise awareness around gender-based violence messages in the media and examine how NGOs and CSOs are helping to improve gender- based violence communication campaigns. The Media Monitoring Project (MMP) and the Southern African Media and Gender Institute (SAMGI) have embarked on an exciting regional project to improve communication strategies on gender-based violence.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Media and the reporting of the budget speech
By MMP @ 12:07 PM :: 886 Views :: 0 Comments :: Media freedom and performance, Gender, Children, Race, HIV

The budget speech attracts much media attention every year. This year was no different. When reporting on the budget speech, it is expected that the media ‘translate’ the implications for their readers. In this respect the reports on the speech were not entirely successful.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

The Media and Crime
By MMP @ 11:20 AM :: 685 Views :: 0 Comments :: Media freedom and performance, Gender

Print and broadcast media should that first and foremost provide viewers, listeners and readers with information about the world that is fair, balanced and accurate. It is equally as important however, for the media to challenge and interrogate government performance on fundamental issues including poverty, HIV/AIDS and the safety and security situation. These principles have seemingly been in conflict in recent crime coverage.