The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) held a virtual meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday 31 May 2020. The meeting followed the battle South Africa has been having with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The virtual meeting with our SANEF delegation and senior editors of different media houses, afforded President Ramaphosa an opportunity to listen to the challenges and the plight of the media industry as it faces the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Today, 1 June 2020, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is launching its “Covid19 impact on Journalism” report. Our hope is that this desktop research will be a starting point to assist us in developing a way forward – leading to practical projects to assist journalists and the industry. We will be announcing our plans for the second phase shortly.
The report will be launched at a webinar that will be held today at noon.
Please register to participate at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7JLUOOwfRVe5-omYa2OZnA
Some of the important conclusions of the report point to the following:
The biggest upside of this dark period for the industry has been the massive surge in traffic to credible online news sources. Traffic to news websites increased by 72% in March, while these sites saw a 44% growth in unique browsers. Many news websites saw double-digit growth in their audience numbers, with News24, Business Insider, The Citizen, Fin24 and EWN growing their traffic with more than 50% in March. In terms of the SABC, the average audience for Zulu language TV news on SABC, the week after the national disaster was declared, increased 40% and Xhosa News audiences rose by 60%.
That the print industry has been placed under particular pressure. The first and most visible casualty was the magazine industry with the closure of two magazine publishers with the loss of 97 jobs at the one publisher and up to 250 at the other. Away from the limelight, small, independent, hyperlocal print publications were also ravaged. This was in the first phase of the lockdown as small publishers were unable to access emergency funding, resulting in the loss of an estimated 300 to 400 journalist jobs. Also, workers at three of the so-called Big 4 print media companies were forced to take salary cuts of up to 45% and temporary lay-offs have been widely implemented.
That neither the regional and national newspapers of the Big 4 South African publishers nor broadcasting was immune to the plunge in advertising, which varies from an estimated 40% to 100%. Added to this was the disappearance of third-stream revenue from such sources as the hosting of events. Subscriber revenue has never been more valuable.
That the crisis brought on by the Covid-19 lockdowns has pushed over the edge operations that were imperiled or survivalist, and arguably have highlighted fissures in the news media industry. How well the news media will emerge from the crisis will depend on the speed of the economic recovery and the attendant increase in advertising revenue. The outlook is that the economy will shrink by at least 6% and 16% in the worst-case scenario, the biggest economic contraction in South Africa’s history. Best case is a sharp, short recession followed by a sharp, short recovery.
That some of the ills of the news media will not wane with the crisis, such as the conundrum of print publishers migrating to a less profitable online environment, and the damage wrought by the change in news media business models and the problem of Google and Facebook soaking up the lion’s share of online advertising revenue. In any event, the crisis has shown the need for thinking about emergency funding for the news media in the short term and sustainable funding models as it adapts to the new digital realities of the 21st century in the long-term – and the world after the coronavirus.
SANEF welcomes rigorous engagement around these findings – and what is to be done. The starting point for this debate is our webinar at noon. Please read the report here :SANEF Covid Impact Research Final Report9 (optimized)
Note to Editors:The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists and journalism trainers from all areas of the South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
Today we share with you some news about the course “Media Freedom and Freedom of Expression in Africa” created to amplify the legacy of the late South African media activist, Jeanette Minnie.
To respond to the pandemic, a third – and updated – version of this free 7-week course (90 mins a week) kicks off 15 June. Registration is here: http://bit.ly/MediaFreedomAfrica
Besides referencing the new “Declaration on Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa”, there is now a new session titled: “African media in times of the COVID-19 crisis”.
It would be really appreciated if you could also promote the course through your networks.
When a vibrant media infrastructure is more important than ever, this free online course can help result in policies that promote affordable internet, protect journalism and support independent media –
especially in Africa.
To highlight some feedback from participants last year:
“The modules were packed with useful and incredibly concise information, with transcripts one can download for keeps. I love the case studies that spoke to each module and how diverse they work (focusing on different African countries). Kudos to the people who set the questions – it was clear they are incredible teachers.”
“A new insight to the role of engagement played by civil society to bringing about good governance in their respective countries and the need for it never to relent and continually serve as a watchdog in their respective countries.”
A vibrant media system before, during and after the pandemic is mission-critical for African progress. Let’s encourage and empower more people to achieve this.
Please click on the links below for more information:
The Committee to Protect Journalists, 191 partner organizations urge UN Secretary General to take action to secure release of jailed journalists amid COVID-19.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) commemorates World Press Freedom Day in 2020 under level four Coronavirus lockdown in South Africa. We believe that during the coronavirus pandemic the news media has never been more important – and yet it is under severe threat.
Historically World Press Freedom Day has been celebrated as a day where citizens, journalists and journalist organisations around the world celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom and its benefits to society. We evaluate the status of press freedom internationally and in our countries, regions and continents and we recommit to defending journalists from attacks on their independence.
In South Africa 2020 we note the important work done by journalists – particularly covering the Coronavirus pandemic. Journalists are designated essential workers and have been on the frontline telling stories of the spread and containment of the virus, the impact the virus is having on people’s daily lives, holding to account those in authority and educating the public on minimizing the risk of infection. We have seen audiences soar as citizens seek information on health issues and the economy. However, while journalism plays its critical role, simultaneously it has also been under severe financial threat as the lockdown has prompted advertisers to rein in spending and made it difficult to circulate newspapers and magazines.
SANEF notes the closure of Associated Media Publishing (AMP), one of South Africa’s pioneering independent media houses. AMP CEO Julia Raphaely announced that the company would cease trading and publishing all its magazine titles from Friday, 1 May 2020. AMP published famous brands including Cosmopolitan, House & Leisure, Good Housekeeping and Women on Wheels. Raphaely said that, coupled with the global halt on advertising spend as well as the inability to host events for the foreseeable future, the AMP found it impossible to continue trading. She remarked, “For the last 38 years, AMP has been one of South Africa’s leading publishers and our titles have been part of many people’s lives. It’s a big blow for magazine media brands in South Africa”.
AMP’s decision to stop trading comes soon after the distress call for increased government advertising support – and support from the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) – from the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP). AIP organizes approximately 200 small independent community print publications across the country.
Also, several media houses have announced plans to cut salaries by up to 40% and/or to stop commissioning the services of freelance journalists.
SANEF is aware that community media journalists and freelancers face some of the greatest threats. Freelance workers do not have the traditional protections of paid sick leave, insurance and funds from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). Consequently, they face a disproportionate risk of financial hardship. A survey carried out by the South African Freelancers Association (SAFREA) has shown the impact of the pandemic, with more than 50% of members having already lost more than 70% of their income. Many freelancers have lost 100%, and because their work is often ad hoc rather than contractual, they have been turned down for government relief funding.
Not only are jobs at stake, but media diversity and the production of quality news to provide verifiably information in the public interest should newsrooms, already under pressure, shrink or news organisations be forced to close.
In the wake of this crisis SANEF has decided to commission research on the impact of the Coronavirus on the industry and what is to be done. We hope to release the findings shortly.
We will be discussing these matters today as part of a three-part webinar series to honor World Press Freedom Day. The series is being jointly hosted by SANEF, Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), the Press Council, the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism (IAJ), the SOS: Support Public Broadcasting coalition and the AIP.
We warmly encourage everyone to attend the discussion today (Sunday) from 12 noon till 1pm. Please register before 11am.
Also, do join us for the two follow-up seminars on Monday and Tuesday, also from 12 noon till 1pm, looking at the African Declaration on Freedom of Expression and the importance of community media.
Note to Editors: The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists and journalism trainers from all areas of the South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
Today, the Facebook Journalism Project (FJP) is announcing $390,000 to help South African news organizations navigate the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis. We will provide funding and training to support their coronavirus work and high-quality journalism across the country.
As part of these funds, Facebook will work with the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), a non-profit organisation with a history of working with publishers across the world. ICFJ will provide $140,000 in these grants to South African publishers, as well as a $250,000 video training program for 10,000 journalists across the continent covering COVID-19 through video reporting. “The news industry is working under extraordinary conditions to keep people informed during the COVID-19 pandemic. As people turn to local journalists for critical information on how to keep their friends, families and communities safe, these journalists are affected especially in the current economic crisis,” said Jocelyne Muhutu Remy, strategic media partnerships manager of Facebook Africa. “We’re working with our partners and the industry to understand their needs, which includes support to help them continue creative, innovative and impactful storytelling.
“Sub-Saharan Africa’s newsrooms will need to play a key role in informing the public in a highly vulnerable region,” said Johanna Carrillo, ICFJ’s vice president of programs. “With this new grant from the Facebook Journalism Project, we can build on our work together helping newsrooms and publishers in the region at this difficult time.”
This investment builds upon Facebook’s ongoing COVID-19 focused work in South Africa and across the continent. Focused on helping provide accurate information to various communities, our work has included launching the Coronavirus Information Center on Facebook, as well as COVID-19 Connect, a WhatsApp-based health helpline developed in partnership with the Minister of Health and local Facebook partner, Praekelt. An additional $100,000 from Facebook will be invested in Kenya this year, for a Video Storytelling Fellowship
FJP’s commitment to newsrooms in South Africa follows Facebook’s $100 millioninvestment to support the news industry during the coronavirus crisis, as well as $2 million in grants for US and Canadian local news, $1 million in grants for fact-checking organizations, and a $1 million donationto the International Fact-Checking Network. Previously, FJP committed $300 million to serving journalists around the world through diverse and inclusive news programs and partnerships.
Applications open 5 May 2020, visit the FJP website / theICFJ website to find out how to apply.
GroundUp and Spotlight have teamed up to publish an occasional report that summarises and links to the most important Covid-19 science, and clear up misunderstandings.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) welcomes and endorses the launch of the Real411 platform together with Media Monitoring Africa and a range of partner organisations, as a mechanism for members of the public to report concerns of disinformation to be assessed and verified.
SANEF trusts in the integrity of the platform. It was originally launched as a joint initiative with the Independent Electoral Commission during the 2019 general elections in South Africa where it played an important role to counteract disinformation. The platform was then relaunched earlier this year to address misinformation and disinformation beyond the election period.
With the rise in the spread of disinformation regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, SANEF believes that such a platform presents a unique and important opportunity to address disinformation in an open and transparent manner.
On April 15, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies announced that it would be collaborating with Real411 to curb the spread of disinformation pertaining to the pandemic.
First, rather than housing the complaints portal within the security services — which could have a chilling effect on the right to freedom of expression — it is run by a civil society organisation that has a strong history of protecting and promoting free speech.
Second, it brings together voluntary reviewers with established technical, media and legal expertise to ensure that the findings are properly informed by all relevant facts and a number of expert perspectives.
Third, it emphasises the need for transparency and accountability and seeks to deal with all complaints in a manner that is reasonable and justifiable.
Lastly, Real411 has an appeals process that is led by former acting Deputy Chief Justice, Zak Yacoob.
SANEF notes that all findings made and decisions taken by the platform are made available to the government. The government then makes decisions in light of these findings.
SANEF hopes that the South African media will promote the Real411 Portal as a means of combating the spread of “fake news” and assisting the public to report false Whatsapp text and voice messages including videos as well as other suspicious and “dodgy” social media posts.
(The Real411 portal does not deal with media complaints. Any media complaint received by the platform is immediately forwarded to the relevant self-regulatory authority such as the Press Ombud or Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa.)
We believe that misinformation on the virus is getting out of control with very dangerous consequences for our society – including the spreading of unnecessary panic and the ultimate undermining of our collective efforts to contain the virus.
Note to Editors: The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists and journalism trainers from all areas of the South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism through fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, research and education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorised as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyse and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always active
Necessary cookies are essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Analytics
Analytics cookies are used to track user behaviour on our website. We process these cookies to understand user engagement and improve user experience on our website.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Today we share with you some news about the course “Media Freedom and Freedom of Expression in Africa” created to amplify the legacy of the late South African media activist, Jeanette Minnie.
