The Black Media Owners Association (BMOA) welcomes the release of the Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI) provisional report on 24 February 2025.
This report is a significant step in addressing the challenges faced by South African news media, particularly black-owned and community-based media entities. It brings to light the monopolistic practices of dominant digital platforms that continue to restrict fair competition and limit the growth of independent media in our country.
Key Findings in Simple Terms
The MDPMI report highlights several critical issues that have long impacted black-owned media:
Tech Giant Dominance: Large digital platforms have monopolized online advertising revenue, prioritizing international content over local news. This reduces audience reach and weakens revenue streams for South African publishers.
Unfair Revenue Distribution: Despite generating significant local engagement, community media outlets struggle to access a fair share of digital advertising revenue, leading to financial instability.
Financial Compensation Proposal: The report recommends that global tech companies allocate between R300 million and R500 million annually to South African media over the next three to five years. This would help balance the unfair revenue gap and provide much-needed sustainability for local publishers.
Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance: If digital platforms do not comply with these measures within six months of the final report, they could face penalties of up to 10% of their advertising revenue.
Black Media Owners: The Most Affected
Black media owners remain at the greatest disadvantage due to these monopolistic practices. The digital space should be an opportunity for growth and transformation, yet it has instead become another barrier to inclusivity. Local and township-based media struggle to survive because they are deprived of fair exposure and financial support.
BMOA’s Call to Action
While we support the findings and recommendations of the MDPMI, the BMOA demands immediate action to ensure fair competition and the growth of black-owned media in the digital space:
1. Direct Business Deals: Government departments and advertisers must engage directly with black-owned media instead of using intermediaries that exploit community publishers.
2. Black-Media Development Fund: We call for the establishment of a dedicated fund to provide financial resources, training, and technology support for black media owners to fully participate in the digital media economy.
3. Transparent Revenue Sharing: Digital platforms must ensure fair compensation for local content creators and publishers, ensuring that advertising spend is distributed equitably.
4. Capacity Building and Skills Development: Access to digital tools, resources, and training must be made available for community publishers to effectively transition into the online space and remain competitive.
5. Policy and Regulatory Reforms: The government must enact strong policies to prevent monopolistic behavior and create a level playing field for all media owners.
The BMOA remains committed to advocating for a fair and inclusive media environment where black media owners can thrive. We believe that the implementation of the MDPMI’s recommendations, coupled with direct government support and industry reforms, will pave the way for a sustainable and diverse media landscape in South Africa.
We stand firm in our demand for direct engagement, fair business practices, and the establishment of long-term solutions that will empower black media entrepreneurs to compete in the digital era. The future of South African media depends on inclusivity, transparency, and equitable access to resources.