Where to report media displaying false information?

[RedViking]

South Africa - FAKE news has become a world wide problem and spreading it might even be punishable under law.

But there is also a different kind of fake news spread daily.

MEDIA.

Spreading half truths or conveniently leave out information, using headings to gather clicks, as the original information just won't be good enough.

Should media and press be allowed to twist the facts and only display half truths?

When media quote from other articles, should they be allowed to leave out important information changings the meaning of what has been said?

As FAKE news also grew rapidly on social media during this recent pandemic, media has used the opportunity spread information that causes fear before they are certain of the facts, using keywords like "Allegedly" "Possibly" "Expert Opinion" or creating headings to serve their personal opinions, but taken out of context and leaving out content.

Maybe an example:
Source: "Dogs can kill you when you make them angry and is advised to be on a leash when taken to the beach." said Minister of Health.

Media: "Dogs kill and should be on leash says Minister"

Or as News24 like to put it: https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/...-foundation-for-africa-vaccine-story-20200405



How far should the media be allowed to twist the truth or take something out of context?

Should they be held accountable for the information they spread?

Can they be reported and will action be taken?

 

[The Voice]

Remember, they're not selling papers anymore, they're selling clicks. The more people fall for them, the more they make from ad revenue. And I guess business is booming.

Disgusting, sure. But all that we can do is try to ignore it.

 

[backstreetboy]

 

[RedViking]

Remember, they're not selling papers anymore, they're selling clicks. The more people fall for them, the more they make from ad revenue. And I guess business is booming.

Disgusting, sure. But all that we can do is try to ignore it.

But lets address the issue and question.

Should they be held accountable?
Can they be reported somewhere and if not, should government also punish media for 'false advertising' or equivalent?
How far should their freedom go to twist the truth for those clicks?

 

[Anthro]

This is MASSIVE if it can happen !
SLASHING those media tyrants down

 

[Creag]

If it is Covid-19 related, then this article may provide some relief:

Government welcomes COVID-19 fake news peddler arrest

The South African government has welcomed the arrest of a 55-year-old male suspect for allegedly circulating a misleading video clip on COVID-19 test kits.

www.sanews.gov.za

“We call on communities to work with government and report any person who misleads the public with the wrong information.

“Help combat COVID-19 and combat fake information and misinformation by reporting to Real411.org,” said government.

Reliable and trustworthy information on COVID-19 can be accessed and verified from government and other sources, including media platforms such as www.sanews.gov.za; www.gov.za/Coronavirus; www.health.gov.za; www.nicd.ac.za.

Any suspicious and fake news can be reported to https://real411.org.za.

 

[bwana]

The Press Ombudsman

 

[The Voice]

But lets address the issue and question.

Should they be held accountable?
Can they be reported somewhere and if not, should government also punish media for 'false advertising' or equivalent?
How far should their freedom go to twist the truth for those clicks?

IIRC back in the days of print media they were definitely held accountable, so the same rules need to apply even if the medium has changed, right?

 

[KleinBoontjie]

Massive headlines (wink wink) for the almighty click..........and the almighty traffic/visitors.

 

[ISP cash cow]

Can't you just report them to the broadcasting complaints division?