Value of podcasts under spotlight after Reason’s clapback

Media Monitoring Africa’s Head of Programmes, Thandi Smith, is encouraging those who want to build credibility in their brand and create podcasts to subscribe to the Press Code.

Smith says that’s a sign of commitment to ethical journalism, which offers listeners and viewers a mechanism for accountability.

The watchdog for ethical and fair journalism’s remarks come at the back of a debate on the regulation and standards of podcasts.

Rapper Sizwe Alakine, popularly known as Reason, sparked the conversation after he lashed out at Piano Pulse Podcast hosts, Thakgi and Sfiso Ndlovu, who made derogatory comments about his current girlfriend.

The 37-year-old told the duo to get off, slamming them for using their platform to talk down on women instead of using it as a tool for good.

Thakgi and Sfiso had accused Reason of having downgraded by dating fellow rapper, Genesis Gabriella Tina Manney, also known as GiGi Lamayne. They said they rate Reason’s former lover, who is also the mother of his twins, radio DJ, Luthando Shosha, aka LootLove.

The webcast is just one of many that have raised concerns among some social media users as hosts often spew opinions that can lead to bullying and harassment, among others.

Some South Africans questioned whether discussions on such platforms positively contribute to social discourse.

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Some social media users have hailed Reason for confronting the hosts, saying some podcasts have become toxic.

Amid the criticism, Smith has commended the hosts of the Piano Pulse Podcast for giving Reason a right of reply.

“I think more broadly we would say that like any media people need to be going to sources they can trust and offer information they find useful. Outside of that, if people broadcast something in a podcast that is a breach of the law, hate speech, incitement to violence, harassment, then separate legal action can be taken,” she says.

More podcast woes

Digital music, podcast, and video streaming service, Spotify, recently removed controversial American businessman and podcaster Andrew Tate’s podcast for violating the company’s policies.

Tate, who is known for his misogynistic content, had posted an episode titled “pimping hoes” which landed him in hot water.

A petition, which was started to have that episode removed, has garnered over 150 000 signatures.

According to Spotify’s policies, the platform does not allow content that, ‘promote violence, incite hatred, harass, bully, or engage in any other behavior that may place people at risk of serious physical harm or death.’

Tate and his brother, Tristan, are no strangers to finding themselves on the wrong side of the law.

They are currently facing rape, human trafficking and other charges in Romania. They are also wanted for similar allegations in the UK, in a move that has intensified calls for regulation of vlogs.