MADOAT is an innovative online media advocacy tool designed to spotlight the best and worst
practices in media reporting on children. It aims to promote greater accountability among editors
and journalists by encouraging ethical and accurate coverage of issues affecting children. This
platform not only advocates for responsible journalism but also empowers children by providing
them a space to engage directly with the media. By combining advocacy with active participation,
MADOAT plays a crucial role in improving media standards and amplifying the voices of children in
matters that concern them.
40 commentaries were planned for the year 2024. The following are results of what was achieved.
* 39 commentaries were written and uploaded to the ECM website
* 9 of these are MADs
* 16 of these are GLADs
* 14 of these were Missed Opportunities
Over the past year, the number of MADs has significantly decreased compared to previous years,
which is a positive development. This decline indicates an improvement in the quality of media
reporting on children’s issues. Fewer MADs suggest that journalists and editors are increasingly
adhering to ethical guidelines and best practices when covering stories involving children. It also
reflects the growing impact of advocacy efforts to promote responsible journalism. While this
progress is encouraging, continued vigilance and collaboration are essential to ensure consistent and
accurate representation of children in the media.
In one article published by Daily Voice, the identity of a 15-year-old boy injured in a gang crossfire
was revealed, along with details about his family and the incident. According to the article, the
teenager survived being shot in the back during a gang-related shooting in Manenberg. By disclosing
the child’s identity, Daily Voice violated the Criminal Procedure Amendment Act and disregarded
the best interests of the child.
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) engaged with IOL regarding the violation. In response, IOL
acknowledged the breach and stated that the matter would be escalated to the Editor-in-Chief of
Independent Media, under whose jurisdiction the Daily Voice operates.
In contrast, HeraldLIVE demonstrated a commitment to ethical reporting and received several GLADs
for positive contributions. During one of our engagements, HeraldLIVE responded enthusiastically,
saying, “Thank you so much for letting us know. This is awesome!” Such feedback underscores the
importance of fostering accountability and celebrating media outlets that prioritise ethical reporting,
especially in stories involving children.
It is important to note that alongside sending commentaries, phone calls were made to editors to
ensure direct engagement. Media houses were also approached through social media, where the
commentaries were actively promoted. Interestingly, GLADs received more attention from the
targeted media houses compared to MADs.
There is still room for improvement across various media houses. The goal is to foster greater
engagement with editors and advocate for workshops aimed at enhancing ethical reporting
practices.