"This report considers the effectiveness of a range of policy measures that were instituted around the start of South Africa’s democracy to “level the playing field” by encouraging the development of media outlets servicing communities on the margins of the information ecosystem. The country� ... �s democracy was founded some 30 years ago and was associated with a strong drive to improve access and participation in the media, particularly by groups that had been excluded under apartheid. A policy framework was created for community broadcasting, and though much less formal attention was paid to print, circumstances proved favourable to significant growth in independent publishing. The report first considers the policy interventions and adjustments that were put in place and then describes the current local media landscape, finding significant growth but also continuing deep inequality in information access, chronic instability and a commercial model that is unable fully to redress inequalities. An assessment of the policy measures follows, finding that policy and implementation have been undermined by political shifts and institutional weaknesses. An idealised view of community has led to a lack of measures to manage conflict and prevent capture, while resourcing strategies have paid too little attention to the weakness of local economies while there has been too little focus on the role of government communication spending. A series of recommendations conclude the report, under the umbrella suggestion of a policy on information rights. This would include: looking at existing policies, practices and institutions to the extent to which they serve the needs of those still on the margins of the information ecosystem. The policy should investigate opportunities in the market and the state for better support for independent local media. Relevant institutions need to be fit for purpose; targeted use of government communication spending, with a new framework to ensure it is fairly and transparently used; a Basic Income Grant (BIG) for media on the furthest edges of the information ecosystem." (Summary) more

"The National Association of Broadcasters and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2023. This year also marks 30 years since the official start of community broadcasting, and 100 years of radio in South Africa. This presents an opportunity to ac ... knowledge the remarkable history of promoting participatory democracy through the airwaves that have unfolded over the past three decades and that have helped reshape and transform the contours of the broadcast industry. The story of community broadcasting is closely interwoven with the evolution of South Africa’s democracy. It is characterised by adaptability, agility, resilience, and the ability to keep pace with a constantly changing landscape and context. It is also a story of persistent gaps and challenges. This reflective piece traces the journey of community broadcasting in South Africa through some of its turning points and highlights." (Page 2) more

"This NAB guide is [...] aimed at assisting community radio as well as industry stakeholders to unpack current and future challenges facing the sector. These include issues such as digital disruption, technology convergence and the impact of new content platforms. The guide also provides an overview ... of broadcasting policy and legislative matters, and a list of useful links to resources and research papers. It includes recently developed tools by media monitoring practitioners on fake news and social media. The first section looks back to the evolution and growth of community radio in South Africa. It briefly explores the radio ecosystem and community radio’s unique mandate, with an emphasis on advancing the goals of the South African Constitution – including freedom of expression, access to information, transparency and accountability. It outlines key regulatory frameworks governing the sector and reflects on a few persistent challenges. The second section provides an overview of the current legislative framework and highlights policy developments. The third section looks to the future – to the possibilities and challenges brought about by advances in new technologies and content platforms. The last section provides a resource list so that practitioners can widen their learning and research, as well as to start curating and archiving the wealth of written materials generated on the community sector – both locally and internationally. It contains a list of useful website and training institutions. The icon in the text points readers to readings of specific relevance to that section. The guide is essentially aimed at enabling the user to prepare a “future-proof” strategy for continued relevance, sustainability and viability. It could also serve as a framework on which to build, as we’ve reached 25 years of community radio in South Africa." (Pages 1-2) more