» Can the M&G stand by its man?

Can the M&G stand by its man?

August 28th, 2009

The Mail & Guardian is in a real fix: how can it stand by a reporter who did not take notes in a major interview which has caused a national furore?

It has become clear that reporter Sello Alcock did not take notes when conducting the interview in which Judge John Hlophe allegedly said he would not shake the hand of a white man. Hlophe has denied saying it and Alcock has admitted he did not take notes. However, he is adamant that Hlophe said it and the Mail & Guardian have backed him in this.

Hlophe has produced four affidavits from people who were present and who back him in saying he was misquoted. And he has produced a copy of an SMS sent by Alcock which raises the possibility of the M&G withdrawing the story.

Hlophe has complained to the Press Ombud and it is difficult to see how the Ombud can do anything but excoriate Alcock for not doing something as fundamental as take notes, and the M&G for backing a story missing such basic evidence as a notebook.

I cannot see that the M&G can do anything other than withdraw the story. Even if they believe the story to have been correct, they have to admit that it is so fundamental an error not to have taken notes that they have to concede the error and back off.

Entry Filed under: Anton Harber, Journalism, Print

1 Comment Add your own

1. Cedric Mboyisa | September 1st, 2009 at 4:28 pm

I tend to concur with you Prof, the M&G will lose this one hands down! Once again, it’s a case of lack of concrete (in this instance none) evidence against the Cape Judge President John Hlophe.

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Anton Harber: Media

Professor Anton Harber directs the Journalism and Media Studies Programme at Wits University. He is former editor of the Mail & Guardian.
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