Abstract
The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearings on the media in 1997 were probably unique from a world perspective. In contrast to attempts made elsewhere world to investigate the role of the media in relation to political procedures, the TRC specifically called for the media to participate in the truth telling and reconciliation process. The process regarding the TRC media hearings, with emphasis on the press, is explained and assessed. The conclusions are twofold: the TRC media hearings misleadingly served to strengthen the perception that the South African press is best understood in terms of the differences between the English liberal, the Afrikaans and the alternative presses; thereby reinforcing politico‐cultural differences. Secondly, that there are, broadly speaking, two main approaches to an academic understanding of the South African press. These are the functional and the critical approaches. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but they are not, as some tend to argue, mutually exclusive.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
