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Exploring the assessment of hate speech and other complaints by the BCCSA

There seems to be a general misconception in South Africa about what kind of language should be classified as hate speech and what should be seen as infringement of dignity. The number of hate speech and dignity-related complaints lodged at the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA), but not entertained in Tribunal hearings, highlights the need for information and research in this area. The purpose of the study is to explore and clarify these concepts, the research question being: Which criteria are used by the BCCSA in the consideration of complaints regarding hate speech and infringement of dignity in the media? The textual analysis performed demystified the concepts, revealed the criteria that were used in considering complaints, and enabled the researcher to compile a set of guidelines to assist audience members with formulating complaints (which may contribute to the validity of complaints), and broadcasters with selecting appropriate material for broadcasts.

Keywords: Assessment criteria, Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA), complaints, dignity, ethnicity, gender, guidelines, hate, speech, racism