Cost-cutting measures cutting into the integrity of journalism

It was difficult to learn of the departure from mainstream media of one of the finest editors in the country and not become truly alarmed.

The departure of a perceptive journalist who is intuitively connected to his community is, indeed, a monumental loss to the media profession and society in general. In a nutshell, the Independent Newspapers group intends to introduce a partially centralised sub-editing operation. Practically, this means that someone who has no intuitive connection with a story or lacks understanding of its dynamics will have overriding decisions on how it should appear in a newspaper.

Also, there is confusion over the job description and content of the crucial position of the chief sub-editor, who is largely responsible for style and content, among other things. Tyrone August felt that this not only watered down the power and influence of editorial executives, but weakened the content of the newspaper as it gives power to bean-counters who are obsessed with profits.

Of course, this will inevitably dilute the vigorous character of journalism that holds business, political, civic and religious leadership accountable. In my view, it practically means that newspapers will lack the courage and resources to speak truth to power.

In fact, it marks an increasing trend where newsroom budgets and editorial control are re-squeezed to the point where a man of conscience like August cannot take it any more. It is sad that no journalist has raised a voice against this tragic development or joined August in taking what is, undeniably, a principled stand against the greatest threat to freedom of the media and lowering of standards in the newspaper business.

Anybody who cherishes freedom of expression and the media should be distressed.

What has caused August to resign is bad because it empties newsrooms of journalists who hold insight into political developments in this country. It is hard to find senior journalists of August’s calibre in the media today.

This development sees newspaper management not only pushing experienced quality staff over the bridge, but dimming the lights of freedom of expression and media in our young democracy. Of course, the decision to “Zanuficate” editorial content and control through centralisation of decision-making at Independent Newspapers is what has driven August out of the profession.

This transmogrifies the role and meaning of editors to being mere rubber-stamps for shareholders’ concerns.

It can be said, in my opinion, that holding an editor’s chair has now been reduced to a glorified messenger to shareholders, who are only interested in profit at the expense of truth-telling journalism. Of course, one would have expected the media to have condemned this development and called upon the South African National Editors’ Forum and the Freedom of Expression Institute, for instance, to immediately stage a protest march. But this has been swept under the carpet with no banner headlines making society aware of the significance of this loss.

However, this development is going to drastically cut back on the integrity of journalism more than it will save profits for the money-mongers. It is not the cleverest thing for media and their owners in this country to condemn what Robert Mugabe is doing to the media in Zimbabwe and think that they can get away with it in a subtle and nuanced manner.

What is happening at Independent Newspapers, including the Cape Times, will not only dilute the character of a relatively vibrant newspaper but undermine courageous and spirited journalism in our young democracy.

By his resignation, August has made a resounding statement in defence of self-expression and media freedom in this country. Sadly, there may be less coverage in depth and in breadth that reflects the authentic hopes of the majority. Alas, some self-serving senior journalists and editors have let August walk away alone while they make themselves comfortable in a repressive and profit-seeking newspaper environment.

But who should be surprised?

Of course, there is going to be no outcry at this tragic development in the media because it serves the interest of business more than those of the people of this country. But newspapers that compromise the right of journalists to write their story in the best way they know might pose the greatest threat to freedom of expression, the media and our fledgling democracy.

In the end, it does not help much for fellow journalists to claim they love and respect August while they do nothing about capitalists’ Zanufication of the media.

We can only judge people by what they do and not what they say.