Revisiting reviewing : the need for a debate on the role of arts journalism in South Africa
Date
2004-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS Publishing
Abstract
The assault on the editor of a publication at a South African arts
festival by an artist who disliked a review of his concert again
highlighted an age-old rift between artists and critics. However, the
response that this incident elicited among readers of this and other
publications, showed surprising support for the artist rather than for
the journalist. If this is read as an indication of a disillusionment
among readers with regard to the standards of arts journalism in
South Africa, the relationship between arts journalists and society
should be re-examined. Ethical journalism rests upon a relationship
between journalist and audience, and a sensitivity for the context in
which journalism is practised. This article examines arts journalism
within changing societal contexts, with a specific focus on the South
African situation, where artistic production still bears witness to
cultural and ethnic divisions of the past. Against the background of the
changes that have occurred in society on a local and global level, it is
argued that a re-evaluation of the roles and responsibilities of arts
journalists is needed – especially in the light of the formation of new
cultural identities after apartheid. In conclusion, an ongoing and indepth
debate about the ethical responsibility of arts journalism is
suggested in order to ensure its continued relevance within an
increasingly commercialised cultural context on the one hand, and
within a changing South African society on the other.
Description
CITATION: Wasserman, H. 2014. Revisiting reviewing : the need for a debate on the role of arts journalism in South Africa. Literator, 25(1): 139-158, doi: 10.4102/lit.v25i1.249.
The original publication is available at http://literator.org.za
The original publication is available at http://literator.org.za
Keywords
Art and society -- History -- 20th century, Art and society -- History -- 21st century, Arts and society -- South Africa, Journalism -- South Africa
Citation
Wasserman, H. 2014. Revisiting reviewing : the need for a debate on the role of arts journalism in South Africa. Literator, 25(1): 139-158, doi: 10.4102/lit.v25i1.249