SANEF Condemns Ban on Media Photographers at Eminem Rapture Tour Concert

SANEF Media Statement

The SA National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) condemns in the strongest terms the ban on photographers from newspapers and other media organisations which were accredited to report on the Eminem Rapture Tour in Cape Town on Wednesday, February 26. Eminem is also due to perform in Johannesburg on Saturday. Days before the event newspapers were informed that Eminem does not allow media photographers or video operators to photograph his performance on show night and that his international management would supply pictures and video material of the show night.

SANEF maintains that this ban on media photographers is totally unacceptable censorship of the media and that the intent of the performer is to present the most favourable pictures of his act for publication in the media. It is noted that the performer will allow photographers from the media and video crews to be admitted to certain sections of the concert venue from where they will be able to take pictures of supporting acts after which, in the words of the management, they will be escorted out of the stadium or taken to a lock up facility for equipment which can only be picked up after Eminem’s performance.’’ This is a totally unacceptable condition of entry.

SANEF has protested in the past at attempts by organisers of events to impose similar bans on media photographers. The ban is a direct violation of the South African Constitution which enshrines freedom of expression and freedom of the media in Clause 16.

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