FAQs.

Does it cost anything to lodge a complaint?

No, it is entirely free.
Can I expect financial compensation?
What are the possible outcomes if a complaint is upheld?

If a complaint, or a part thereof, is upheld, the Press Ombud or the Appeals Panel may direct the publication to apologise, and/or to retract a statement, and/or reprimand or caution a publication, and/or sanction a publication in any other suitable manner. Such sanctions will be published with appropriate prominence.
Does the Press Council offer training on the Press Code?

Yes. Members of the public and our subscriber members can request the Executive Director and/or members of the Ombuds Panel to conduct training seminars on the Code. Electronic and printed copies of the Decoding the Code – sentence by sentence is available on request. All requests must be submitted to: [email protected].
Why is there a Press Council?

We believe in freedom of speech and expression, including freedom of the media, as enshrined in the Constitution. We exist to ensure that media freedom is maintained and furthered. To ensure that media coverage is fair in this process, we rely on our Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media which we use to hold the press accountable and guide journalists in their daily practice of gathering and distributing news and opinion.
Does the Press Council deal with advertisements?
How about TV and radio?
How is the Press Council funded?
Why is there a Press Code?
How is a complaint lodged?
Do I need legal assistance?
Can a person complain anonymously?
How does the Press Council deal with User-Generated Content?

It is a defence for a member of Council to show that it did not author or edit the content in question. But a complainant may ask, in writing, for the publication to remove such comment. In so doing, you must specify where on the website the comment was posted and explain why you believe it has breached either the Code or the website’s own code. If the editor refuses to remove the comment, you may also lodge a complaint with us.
What is ‘leave to appeal’?
Why does press freedom matter to the Press Council?

How the press remains free and is able to exercise its freedom in the best interest of the public and its diverse members versus how the press respects other freedoms while playing its roles in the public interest, is the challenge of press regulation in a democratic South Africa. The press must strengthen the trust of the public so that it maintains credibility and reliability.
What’s the point of sanctions against the media?
Where can you be in contact with us?

FAQs.

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