Reporting the Truth Commission

This article examines the coverage afforded to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of South Africa by a selection of South African media. It looks at how the media have constructed the past, the way in which victims and perpetrators have been represented and the extent to which these representations have influenced the question of reconciliation in the country. We have found that in their efforts to reveal the truth and promote reconciliation, the media have, at times, ceased to be critical and interrogative, nonetheless coverage has been extensive and comprehensive. Our analysis will continue until the TRC's work is completed.