Year: 2024

Gauteng government builds solid relations with Community Media

BMOA

The MDDA is at the Gauteng Provincial Government’s engagement with Community media at the Anew Hotel in Parktown, Johannesburg on Friday, 22 November 2024.

The event is attended by the Gauteng Provincial Government’s representatives as well as the community media sector bodies such as SACRO, NCRF, AIP, Black Media Owners Association (BMOA), and Community Publishers Association.

In her opening, Ms Phumla Sekhonyane, Deputy Director General, lamented the false narrative that says that the government has not done anything for the past thirty years. She also confirmed that the community media sector is an important part of the government communication links, because they come from a developmental perspective, which is the best view.

Various issues were raised by community media owners and practitioners, including journalists and marketing personnel. Some of the grievances included: accuracy of information about community media statistics, the lack of communication and respect for community-based journalists by officials, and, lack of monitoring for community media in their administration and compliance.

Mr Vuyo Mhaga, Chief Director, Public Relations spoke on the provincial government’s priorities, which provides ample partnership opportunities for the community media sector.

Media Sustainability and Transformation In Need

Ms Shoeshoe Qhu, MDDA CEO introduced the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) as a media development agency that advocates for the growth of community media, she also presented highlights from the Community Media Sustainability Report.

In the report, about 7% of the community media in South Africa is deemed ‘Sustainable’.

The Research and Development of a Sustainability Model for Community and Small Commercial Media (CSCM), conducted by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), has shown that the majority of CSCM organisations – 74% – are partially sustainable.

The study highlighted that while they have access to some of the necessary skills, including resources and financial capacity to be self-sustainable, some CSCM are currently facing challenges, including a lack of financial resources, effective governance structures, an enabling environment and skills, being among the main challenges facing the media organisations.

According to the study which was launched in Johannesburg on Tuesday, a lack of finances was as a result of various factors including difficulty in attracting advertisers, which the study raised as a concern, given that most organisations within the CSMC sector rely on advertising revenue.

“It was found that private sector advertisers are reluctant to advertise with CSCM organisations due to the perception that the organisations are unstable and unprofessional, in addition to these organisations having limited audience reach which is seen to limit the potential exposure of the advertiser’s product to target audiences.

“The challenge in attracting advertisers also extended to government advertising, with representatives from CSCM organisations, as well as representatives from the MDDA, noting that local government appeared to be reluctant to advertise with CSCM platforms,” the study found.

Responding to the findings, MDDA Board Member, Hoosain Karjiekar, emphasised that governance was essential for community media to be sustainable, as it provides the structure and processes that ensure accountability, transparency and ethical management.

However, Karjiekar noted that many community media outlets are often operating with limited resources, struggle with governance due to skill gaps, unclear policies, or competing responsibilities.

Karjiekar emphasised the importance for community media sector bodies and leadership of the media institutions to commit to promoting strong governance practices and streamlining compliance requirements.

“Training for board members and community media leaders in ethical leadership, strategic decision-making, and resource management can go a long way. Strong governance not only improves operations but builds trust with the community, which is essential for long-term support.

“Many community media outlets are also constrained by complex compliance standards that can seem overwhelming. Regulatory frameworks must adapt to the realities of community media, acknowledging their smaller operational capacities while still promoting transparency. Simplified compliance pathways can help these organisations adhere to important standards without stifling their work,” Karjiekar said.

Enhancing revenue generation for financial sustainability

On financial sustainability, which was one of the biggest hurdles facing the community media, Karjiekar said that to fulfil their mission in the longterm CSCM need diversified revenue streams beyond traditional advertising, “which may not always be viable”.

“As the Community Media Sustainability Research Report proposes; community media must explore some of the strategies [including] building partnerships and community sponsorships, leveraging grant funding and crowdfunding, implementing membership programs, [and] hosting community events and workshops,” he said.

He reiterated that ensuring community media sustainability meant fortifying the communities, supporting democracy, and safeguarding voices that might otherwise go unheard.

“Through improved governance, adaptive compliance, and creative revenue strategies, community media can not only survive but thrive, continuing to champion the stories, struggles and successes of the communities they serve,” Karjiekar said.

The study launch coincided with the month that marks the anniversary of Black Wednesday on 19 October 1977, when the apartheid regime silenced critical voices for the marginalised by banning influential newspapers The World and Weekend World. 

The Enduring Importance of Black Ownership in South African Media

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On October 19, 1977, the apartheid government in South Africa carried out a sweeping crackdown on anti-apartheid activists and organizations, banning several publications and arresting numerous journalists and political leaders.

This infamous day, known as “Black Wednesday,” marked a dark moment in South Africa’s history, as the white-minority government sought to silence dissenting voices and tighten its grip on power.

Nearly 50 years later, as South Africa grapples with the digital disruption of traditional media and the rise of social media, the legacy of Black Wednesday serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of black ownership and representation in the country’s media landscape.

The Struggle for Media Transformation

In the post-apartheid era, the South African government has made efforts to transform the media industry and promote greater diversity and inclusivity. The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act, enacted in 2003, aimed to increase black ownership and participation in various sectors, including media and communications.

However, progress has been slow, and the legacy of apartheid-era media control continues to cast a long shadow. According to a 2021 study by the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), the country’s top 10 media companies are still majority-owned by white individuals and entities, with black ownership estimated at only around 20%.

The Persistence of Media Monopolies

The concentration of media ownership in the hands of a few large corporations is another challenge facing South Africa’s media landscape.

The country’s three largest media groups – Naspers, Independent Media, and Caxton – control a significant portion of the market, raising concerns about the diversity of voices and perspectives being represented.

This lack of media diversity is particularly concerning in an era of digital disruption, where social media platforms and online news outlets have become increasingly influential.

The danger is that these monopolistic structures could be replicated in the digital sphere, further entrenching the power of a few dominant players and limiting the ability of marginalized communities to access and shape the public discourse.

The Importance of Black Ownership

As South Africa reflects on the legacy of Black Wednesday, the need for greater black ownership and representation in the media industry remains paramount. Ownership plays a crucial role in shaping the editorial direction, content, and overall editorial priorities of media outlets, ensuring that the perspectives and experiences of diverse communities are properly reflected and amplified.

According to a 2020 report by the South African Press Council, the average black ownership rate across the country’s top 20 media companies is estimated to be around 25%. While this represents an improvement from the past, it still falls short of the government’s target of 30% black ownership in the sector.

Moreover, the concentration of black ownership is often limited to smaller, community-based media outlets, while the dominant players in the industry remain largely under the control of white-owned corporations. This imbalance perpetuates the marginalization of black voices and perspectives, undermining the democratic ideals that South Africa has long aspired to.

The Way Forward

As South Africa commemorates Black Wednesday, it is essential that the country re-energizes its efforts to transform the media industry and promote greater black ownership and participation. This may involve stronger regulatory measures, targeted investment and support for black-owned media enterprises, and a renewed commitment to addressing the legacy of apartheid-era media control.

Only by ensuring that the country’s media landscape reflects the diversity and richness of its people can South Africa truly honor the sacrifices and struggles of those who fought for a more inclusive and equitable society.

“The legacy of Black Wednesday must serve as a constant reminder of the work that remains to be done in safeguarding the freedom of the press and the right of all South Africans to have their voices heard,” Seakgwe concluded.

Call for women ownership in media sector

BMOA

While government policies have enabled the participation of women in the media sector, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Director of Media Relations, Tshegofatso Modubu, has called for an in depth look at the ownership and control by women in the media space.

“In terms of shattering the glass ceiling with the 30 years of democracy, we are seeing women get into the operational space and a bit more into the managerial space. We need to think about ownership and control of media in terms of women,” Modubu said on Thursday.

She was speaking at a panel discussion themed “30 Years of Women Excellence in the Community Media Sector” hosted by the GCIS, together with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Pretoria.

The media and communications panel discussion event offered a wealth of insightful perspectives from industry experts. The diverse panel, comprising thought leaders from journalism, governance, public relations and digital media, delivered an engaging and informative discussion that tackled pressing topics such as the future of journalism, the impact of social media on communication, and the evolving role of media in shaping public discourse. 

Reflecting on the 30 Years of Women Excellence in Community Media Sector, Modubu noted that since 1994, freedom of expression has expanded. 

“We have done a lot as a country in terms of catching up on freedom of expression, on issues of plurality in the media sector and ensuring that the space is opened [up] to women.

“If you think about the era of apartheid when there was a lot of censorship, and certain voices were not allowed to speak, the media was slightly controlled because there were some newspapers that were aligned to the agenda of the regime.

“Since 1994, the media landscape has expanded, and it has been able to keep up with technological developments. We have a thriving convergent media. We see our media being challenged to move from print into the digital space because of the convergence.”

Modubu highlighted that through the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), government is providing support to for those who want to develop community and small commercial media.

Through interventions such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Preferential Procurement Policy, government is also promoting the participation of women in any sector of society. 

“We see women being in the forefront of journalism in this country. Growing up, we would see newsreaders, which was what was designated for them. We have seen women go into talk show hosting, we have seen women become political journalists and being at the forefront [of journalism].

“There is a strong move to get women into boards because that is where decisions are made. Media companies have boards and women are not participating in those spaces.

“The chief executive officers … women are not playing in that space. These are some of the things we need to think about while we celebrate the strides that have been made,” she explained.

In addition, Modubu welcomed the move by the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) to appoint Nwabisa Makunga as Chairperson of the forum.

Makunga is leading a team responsible for representing those who are responsible for telling stories and representing the aspirations and wishes of the population.

“We have women editors in print and broadcast media, SANEF has the second women occupying the position of chairperson. All of this has been enabled by the policies that government has put into place. 

“Our responsibility, as people who work in the space of policy making, is to ensure that those policies work, and they work for practitioners within the media space. There are challenges such as the cyberbullying of women, harassment and facilitated technological gender-based violence against women. 

“Those are the challenges that we have to think about and how we can create laws and policies to change that,” Modubu said.

Brand SA has set out its plans to reimagine the Play Your Part campaign.

BMOA

This according to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who was speaking during the Budget Vote of the Government Communication and Information System or GCIS on Friday (12 July 2024).

Brand SA, the country’s official marketing agency, has been allocated R186 million to carry out its work for the 2024/25 financial year.

According to the Minister, the Play your Part initiative aims to “inspire, empower and celebrate active citizenship”.

“It aims to lift the spirit of our nation by inspiring South Africans to contribute to positive change, become involved and start doing. It calls on South Africans to use some of their time, money, skills and goods to contribute to a better future for all of us,” she said.

Ntshavheni said the Media Development and Diversity Agency has made “significant strides in developing the community media sector to reflect the needs and aspirations of all South Africans”.

The entity has been allocated at least R38.5 million for the 2024/25 financial year.

“In its duty of providing funding and other support for the marginalised groups to enable them to start and sustain their own community media projects, it has supported over 586 small commercial media projects over the years despite its meagre budget.

“This includes 321 community radio and community television stations along with 185 community print projects such as community newspapers, magazines and small commercial print as well as digital platforms,” she said.

She emphasised the vital nature of the work of the MDDA.

“The work of the MDDA is important because community media serves to connect people with shared interests and concerns. It amplifies the unique stories and experiences within a community and promotes understanding amongst its members.

“In essence, community media acts as a catalyst for social cohesion, empowering individuals to actively engage in dialogue, bridge cultural gaps and collectively address challenges for the greater good of society,” she said. 

Entries open for the 2024 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards

BMOA

Anticipation levels in newsrooms across the country will rise as the opening date for entries into this year’s Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards (VJOY) has been announced as July 10.

Entrants can choose from 12 categories to enter their work, from Live Reporting and Breaking News; Investigative; Opinion; Lifestyle; Features; Photography; Sport; Financial & Economics; Politics; Sustainability, Innovation in Journalism, and the Young Journalist of the Year Award.

“As we commemorate 30 years of democracy in South Africa, we are reminded of the importance of media as the fourth estate that is crucial to our democracy. Ethical, independent and critical journalism holds those in power accountable and brings transparency to affairs that matter. Coinciding with 30 years of democracy, Vodacom South Africa celebrates 30 years of connecting South Africans and we are proud to be continuing our legacy of honouring excellence in journalism across a range of categories, recognising some of South Africa’s finest reporters and most newsworthy stories. Support for journalism remains paramount as the sustainability of journalism creates well-informed and connected societies,”

said Takalani Netshitenzhe, Director for External Affairs at Vodacom South Africa.

The judging panel for this year’s awards will once again be led by convener Mapi Mhlangu, who will guide her fellow judges as they debate the nuances of entries to decide which is the best. From 3 – 5 July, Mhlangu will host two daily virtual media roadshows to inform interested entrants about the rules of the competition, and entry mechanisms.

“Despite the significant strides made, the journalism sector faces numerous challenges today. These challenges demand a steadfast commitment to upholding ethical standards, reporting with integrity, and navigating the complexities of our time. As we imagine the next decade, there is no room for failure in sound journalistic storytelling. The future of our country relies on the dedication of journalists to uncover the truth, spark conversations, and drive positive change. I encourage all journalists to submit their best works to the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards and be part of celebrating what has been achieved in the past 30 years”, said Mapi Mahlangu.

Journalists must enter their best work produced between 01 August 2023 and 31 July 2024, at www.journalist.vodacom.co.za.

Entries open on 10 July and close midnight on 24 July, no late entries will be accepted.

Finalists chosen from the five regions will compete at the national finals that will be held on 31 October: 

  • Region A: Gauteng
  • Region B: Free State, Northern Cape, Northwest and Limpopo
  • Region C: KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga
  • Region D: Western Cape
  • Region E: Eastern Cape

The Vodacom Young Journalist Award offers an educational boost to nurture upcoming newsroom talent.

Regional category winners receive R5 000, national category winners, R10 000, and the overall Vodacom Journalist of the Year winner, R100 000. In the case of joint winners, prize money is shared. 

Academica, Local Print Media Collaborate in Fostering Sino-South Africa Cooperation

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Article by Stephen Seakgwe (Executive Director – BMOA)

On Wednesday, June 19, the School of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of Johannesburg hosted a pivotal workshop focused on the intersection of Sino-South African and broader Sino-African relations, and the crucial role of local print media in these dynamics.

The event, skillfully moderated by Dr. Gideon Chitanga, aimed to illuminate how local journalists can effectively convey these complex relationships to their grassroots audiences, fostering a sense of community and shared future.

Opening Insights

Mr. Pan Qingjiang, Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Johannesburg, commenced the workshop with aa keynote address on “Building a Community with a Shared Future in South Africa.”

He delved into the multifaceted agreements between South Africa and China, emphasizing the vision of a shared future for humanity. Highlighting China’s shift towards a win-win strategy in economic aid, he urged local media to familiarize themselves with initiatives like the Belt-and-Road Initiative (BRI).

“South Africa is one of the first countries to sign into the BRI and has been growing steadily for the past 15 years,” Mr. Pan noted. He underscored the pivotal role of academia and media in strengthening Sino-South African relations, calling for greater awareness and coverage of developmental projects beneficial to local communities.

Media’s Role in Community Engagement

Dr. Gideon Chitanga, from the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, presented on “China-South Africa and Africa Relations: Community-Local Media, Content, and Sources of News in Building a Community with a Shared Future and Telling Our Own Stories.”

He emphasized the importance of local publishers taking an active interest in global events that impact their communities. Highlighting the economic and cultural ties between China and South Africa, Dr. Chitanga urged local media to cover the Chinese diaspora and local businesses, noting the potential for economic growth and job creation. He also stressed the significance of cultural exchange and international opportunities, such as scholarships for advanced studies in China, which can serve as valuable content for local audiences.

Challenges and Opportunities for Local Media

Mr. Austin Moyo, Publisher of Khanyisa News and Jozi Advertiser – Online, addressed the “Challenges Facing Local Community Media in Gauteng.”

He identified high printing and distribution costs, along with the pandemic-induced drop in ad sales, as major hurdles. Despite these challenges, Moyo highlighted the resilience and passion driving community media.

He advocated for leveraging a strong social media presence to supplement print operations and enhance audience engagement while acknowledging the need for training staff on newsroom policies. Moyo called for increased support in the form of technology and subsidies to boost the capacity of local publishers.

Developmental Journalism and Community Impact

Dr. Maud Blose, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Communication and Media at the University of Johannesburg, proposed a vision “Towards a Developmental and Balanced Narrative.” She encouraged community publishers to take pride in nurturing young talent, despite challenges in staff retention.

Dr. Blose introduced the concept of Developmental Journalism, where content is driven by ‘change agents’ aiming to create positive change while adhering to the basic principles of Journalism. She urged publishers to regularly assess their communities’ evolving needs and how they access news and information.

Dr. Oswelled Ureke, also from the University of Johannesburg, expanded on this theme by discussing how media can foster a sense of community. He critiqued mainstream media’s often negative portrayal of indigenous African communities, challenging local journalists to counter these stereotypes with more positive and accurate narratives.

“Are you community media or media reporting about the community?” he asked, urging publishers to deeply integrate their reporting with the identities and interests of their communities.

Bridging Local and Global Perspectives

Dr. Cliff Ochieng Mboya, from the Centre for Africa-China Studies, concluded the presentations with insights on “Local Community Newspapers: Writing South Africa-China, and Africa-China Relations at Community Media Level.”

He emphasized the importance of understanding Chinese policies and their local applicability, such as the impacts of BRICS and FOCAC. “If it affects you, it is relevant,” he stated, urging local media to make these global dynamics accessible and relevant to their audiences.

By telling their own stories and highlighting opportunities for growth and development, Dr Mboya says local journalists can significantly contribute to the socio-economic and cultural fabric of their societies.

He also shared some significant events that Pre-date the days of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Mboya said China’s first significant contact with Africa occurred during the Ming Dynasty when the fifth and sixth voyages of the famous Zheng He naval fleet reached the north-east coast of Africa during the first quarter of the fifteenth century.

Concluding Remarks

Researcher at UJ, Hellen Adogo, gave a fitting summary of what was covered in the workshop, unpacking ways publishers can consider their impact if they take their news content to new audiences.

Mr. Eric Phiri, Chairman of the Gauteng Association of Independent Publishers, delivered the vote of thanks, highlighting the need for continued initiatives like this workshop to develop and support community newspapers across the country.

This workshop underscored the vital role local print media play in bridging global and local perspectives, and fostering a shared future through informed and engaged communities.

MDDA calls for community media grant applications

BMOA

The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) recently made a call encouraging community media projects with valid class broadcast service licenses, including radio, TV, and community print publications, as well as small commercial print, to apply for the 2024/25 grant funding.

The application window officially opened on 31 May 2024 and will close on 28 June 2024.

The MDDA said community media projects of all sizes are encouraged to apply.

“The MDDA aims to encourage media ownership, access and control to media, particularly by historically disadvantaged communities and diminished indigenous languages and cultural groups,” it said.

For print and digital publications, this year’s grant funding application call is focusing on Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State and the Western Cape.

For more updates regarding MDDA-related news and information, go to @MDDA_Media or WhatsApp 0635094934.

Invitation to SA Press Code Training

BMOA

The Press Council is hosting workshops on the South African Press Code on request.

If you would like to join the training sessions (booked by BMOA monthly from April) on the Press Code with your journalists, and yourselves, please send an email to Stephen our Exec. Director on admin@bmoa.co.za by no later than 29 March 2024 at 11:00 AM.

As media owners, having the Press Code at your disposal is paramount to ensure your content is accurate, balanced and fair towards your audiences and subjects.

This regulation is how all media, print/broadcast/digital is regulated in South Africa.

The workshop can be either virtual or in person and will be conducted by either the Press Ombud or one of the Deputy Press Ombuds. It should not last longer than 2 hours.

For your convenience, the Press Code is now available online in seven of South Africa’s official languages: English, Afrikaans, Tshivenda, Tsonga, Sepedi, isiXhosa, isiZulu.

Please visit the Press Council website for more information. #BMOA #BlackMedia #MediaTransformation #BlackMediaMatters