How credible is the news on social networks? - 13 Feb 2012

During this past week, the credibility of news reported on social media networks is what caught my eye. It has become way to easy for news, with or without confirmed facts, to be spread to the rest of the world by a simple click of a button.

In Kenya, a slip up by a media house sparked a debate on responsible reporting and how journalists are using social media to break news. Carole Kimutai, explores a recent incident which had media houses remove postings about the death of a former cabinet minister.
In the last few years, media houses have adopted the use of social media as a way of breaking news in a competitive media environment, but at the same time, it should also be used to add value to their work.

Further away from home, BBC and SKY News have had put a stop to their journalists breaking news on Twitter. Bizcommunity contributor, Chris Moerdyk asks, "Are journos being real twits to tweet?"

While on the topic of social networks, Thomas Oosthuizen tackles the question, "Can Facebook ever make (real) money?"

In other news, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Media Commission has threatened to stop the circulation of foreign newspapers, that are not registered under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, in Zimbabwe. What this means is that foreign newspapers are not allowed to be legally circulated in Zimbabwe unless there is a registered representative office in the country. I'm sure this will cause some debate.

As Big Brother Africa nears the start of the seventh season, Endemol South Africa, producers of the show, celebrates a decade of broadcasting the reality show on the continent.

Today, the 13th February, has been proclaimed by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), as World Radio Day. Radio remains the medium to reach the widest audience and is currently taking up new technological forms.

Lastly, congratulations to the Zambian soccer team on winning their first Africa Cup of Nations title by beating Ivory Coast on penalties.

Here's to another great week!

Evan-Lee Courie (@evan1985)

Responses to this column welcomed in our online editor's column archive. Send all your Africa marketing news to moc.ytinummoczib@swenacirfa and opinion pieces to moc.ytinummoczib@acirfa-srotubirtnoc, also take a look at our guide "How to contribute to Bizcommunity, from op-ed pieces to news". Follow Bizcommunity on Twitter @Biz_Africa and join our Facebook page.