Author: BMOA

ICASA Opens Community Radio Licensing Applications

BMOA

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has officially opened the application process for Community Sound Broadcasting Services and Radio Frequency Spectrum Licences. This presents a crucial opportunity for Black-owned and led non-profit organisations to enter or expand their footprint in the broadcasting landscape.

As the Black Media Owners Association (BMOA), we strongly encourage our members and broader networks to consider this opportunity to grow independent, community-focused media platforms that reflect the voices and needs of our people.

Important Dates and Fees

  • Application Deadline: 20 June 2025
  • Time: 16:00 sharp
  • Application Fee: R4,719.00 (non-refundable)

Who Can Apply?

Only non-profit entities such as NPOs, NPCs, or Trusts are eligible to apply for a community radio station licence.

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be a registered non-profit entity for at least two years
  • Demonstrate community involvement, development, and empowerment
  • Comply with all regulatory requirements set by ICASA

Note: Existing community radio license holders are not eligible for this round.

What Will Disqualify Your Application?

  • Late submissions will not be accepted.
  • Incomplete applications or failure to pay the fee on time will be disqualified.
  • The disqualification list is not exhaustive — please consult the official Invitation to Pre-Register (ITP-R) document on the ICASA website.

Need a Spectrum Licence?

Applicants must:

  • Choose a preferred frequency from the available list
  • Include a technical feasibility study if changes to the technical spec are proposed
  • Provide relevant documents such as a signal distributor agreement or ECNS licence if applicable

At BMOA, we believe media ownership is a key pillar in economic transformation and community empowerment. Community radio is one of the most impactful tools for grassroots communication, especially in underrepresented and underserved areas.

📌 For the full application guide and forms, visit www.icasa.org.za

📧 Contact BMOA for support at: admin@bmoa.co.za

Media industry called to transform ownership patterns

BMOA

With the media industry fighting for its survival amidst the rise of digital media, Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has called on the industry to make deliberate efforts to transform the sector’s ownership patterns.

“Government remains committed to working alongside industry stakeholders to ensure that South Africa’s media landscape is inclusive, competitive, and representative of the country’s diversity,” Morolong said.

The Deputy Minister was addressing the members of the Print and Digital Media Transformation and Revitalization Steering Committee in Rosebank, Johannesburg, on Friday (11 April 2025).

The committee was established to develop a Print and Digital Media Transformation and Revitalisation Report to advise government and the private sector on wide-ranging proposals aimed at transforming and revitalising the sector.  

The Minister painted a sobering picture of the industry’s current state, noting a dramatic decline in print newspaper (both commercial and local) circulation  – from approximately 45 million copies annually to dwindled numbers that were never imagined before, which is “very worrisome for government.”

“The current challenges of operating in the digital environment; excess print, distribution and transport cost; reduction in newspaper subscribers; dwindling circulation figures coupled with reduced advertising budgets, both from corporate and government, have forced publishers to close down, while others have become loss-making or liability enterprises. In the mist of all these things, we should not despair, we are a nation that works together to find common solutions,” Morolong said.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the critical role played by the media in society and reaffirmed government’s commitment to revitalise the industry.

“We have a responsibility to save an industry that is ailing and to do so, there needs to be government investment. You can’t put government in a position where it must support an industry that does not want to transform. 

“You are running a business, but you are also running an institution which has got a moral obligation to keep society informed. We want to support you because of your role in education and informing society. We have a responsibility to support you and empower you as business,” he said.

The Print and Digital Media Transformation and Revitalization Steering Committee comprises various media executives of print and digital media companies, industry bodies such as the Association of Independent Publishers, Media Development and Diversity Agency and the Press Council. 

Join the Free Gauteng Government Weekly Supplier Workshops

BMOA

Looking to do business with the Gauteng Government?

Gauteng Provincial Treasury in collaboration with Gauteng Department of Economic Development invites all interested suppliers to our Weekly Supplier Workshops. These sessions provide great insights and practical business skills to help you start, run and grow your business working in both public and private sectors.

Sessions take place every Wednesday and candidates must commit to six weeks of training.

⏰ 10:00 AM

📍 124 Main Street, Marshalltown, Groundfloor Auditorium

Workshops will run every Wednesday for six weeks. RSVP is essential.

For enquiries, email: Ivy.Machaba@gauteng.gov.za | Thandiwe.Zungu@gauteng.gov.za

These sessions will teach media business owners compliance, regulations and how to tender to government.

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BMOA Position on the Release of the Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI) Provisional Report

BMOA

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.

Sustainability of community media is of vital importance 

BMOA

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has urged policymakers, businesses, and civil society to work together to secure the future of community media, by providing the necessary support and resources.

Morolong delivered a keynote address at the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Community Media Consultative Forum at the Khayelitsha Thusong Centre, on Tuesday. 

The Forum aimed to bring government, community media, industry partners, and regulatory bodies together, to reflect on community media’s contributions in the past 30 years of democracy in South Africa, while also tackling challenges facing the sector today. These include sustainability and digitalisation, to fortify the sector for the future. 

The Deputy Minister highlighted the contributions of the sector in the past 30 years of democracy, while emphasising its role in promoting identity, unity, and local awareness.

“The sustainability of community media is not just a sectoral issue; it is a societal imperative. Policy makers regulators, businesses, and civil society must work together to provide the tools, resources, and framework necessary for community media. As a sector community media is far more important,” Morolong said. 

The Deputy Minister also highlighted that community media serves as a platform for people to share their stories in their own words, balancing mainstream stories and ensuring that every citizen has a voice, regardless of their socio-economic status.

He described the sector as a key instrument in shaping public opinion and reinforcing democracy.

“Community media provides a platform for people to tell their stories in their own words, fostering identity, unity, and awareness of local issues. It serves as a counterbalance to centralise narratives, upholding the principle that everyone deserves a voice, regardless of their socio-economic status,” he said. 

However, the Deputy Minister acknowledged the pressing challenges facing community media, particularly its sustainability. He stressed that its survival hinges on robust governance, financial innovation, and strong stakeholder support.

“Strong governance is the backbone of community media sustainability. It ensures accountability, transparency, and ethical management. These are essential elements that we trust with communities. Unfortunately, many of our community media organisations lack the skills, policies, and resources to implement effective governance. 

“To address this, sector bodies must invest in training board members and leaders in strategic decision making and resource management. Simplifying compliance processes is equally essential, overly complex regulatory frameworks hinder small operations, diverting resources from the primary mission,” he said. 

Financial insecurity remains the greatest challenge facing the sector, he noted, as traditional advertising models become less viable. 

He also urged community media outlets to explore creative revenue streams, such as partnerships with local businesses, grant funding, and membership programs. 

“The greatest challenge facing community media is financial insecurity. Traditional advertising models are no longer viable, necessitating creative revenue streams partnering with local businesses leveraging grant funding and implementing membership programs can provide much needed financial stability,” he said. 

Additionally, he added that community events and workshops could serve as both a source of revenue and a way to strengthen ties with the communities they serve.

“Community events and workshops not only generate revenue but strengthen the bond between media outlets and the community they serve.

“Community media is not just a medium of information, it is an instrument of empowerment, it educates, informs, unites and plays a crucial role in supporting democracy and safeguarding marginalised voices. It contributes to the social framework though which social and political formations are shaped. Failing to address its sustainability risks silence of the vital important voices,” the Deputy Minister said.

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

BMOA

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.