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SANEF Calls for Better Treatment of Journalists in Our Courts

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has recently been inundated with complaints from journalists who finding it increasingly hard to do their jobs when reporting on matters in court.

In the latest incident last Friday at the Randburg Magistrate Court, journalists were denied access when reporting on the Israeli gang.

Earlier in the week, a Sowetan journalist was forced to take the stand at the Boksburg Magistrate Court where a murder trial is being heard, merely because she has asked for permission to take pictures of the accused.

At its Council meeting at the weekend, SANEF had an in-depth discussion about the increasing incidents where journalists are either denied access or poorly treated in our courts.

While some of these concerns have been previously raised with organisations such as the Magistrate Commission and the Department of Justice and Correctional Services, we take a dim view of these very worrying incidents that counteract access to information and freedom of expression.

The Council meeting also noted the recent incidents involving the conduct of reporters covering the late Senzo Myeni’s court trial and resolved to invest more in the training of journalists when it comes to court reporting and to monitor ethical and responsible reporting in this regard.

Safety Portal

Due to the increased attacks on journalists and concern for their safety, Council resolved to establish a portal where journalists can access effective and urgent assistance when they are intimidated, attacked, and or threatened when doing their jobs.

Safety and Wellness

SANEF is concerned about the safety and wellness of journalists. The rollout of safety training interventions for journalists and editors will continue to be a key priority going forward.

Ethics Barometer

Anchored by the press code, SANEF has already started work with the Democracy Works Foundation toward the establishment of an Ethics Barometer. This was one of the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Media Ethics and Credibility commissioned by Sanef in 2020.

 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 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.

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Secretary-General (082) 379 4957
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
  • Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

 

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SANEF and PMI Partner to Upskill Journalists on App Development

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Rapid technological advancement has impacted the media landscape extensively over the last few years forcing newsrooms to actively seek ways to adapt. Taking advantage of new technologies, the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) is partnering with Project Management Institute (PMI) to make available a revolutionary digital-based course to upskill and reskill journalists. This is PMI’s contribution to support innovation and digital transformation in the South African news media.

The Citizen Developer (CD) course will benefit 25 up-and-coming multimedia and community journalists.  What sets this course apart is its distinctive relevance to a sector that needs to rapidly pioneer changes to transform the way it tells stories and engages with audiences. The onset of lockdowns in 2020 hastened the need to embrace technology in a way that bridges the worlds of traditional media and an always-on marketplace. The CD course is a welcome intervention to develop and enhance digital skills in the news media.

SANEF Chairperson, Sbu Ngalwa, says, “There is a clear need to create versatile channels and approaches for journalists to enhance their craft. We’re therefore pleased to partner with PMI on this first-of-its-kind initiative. It is a progressive step towards ensuring that the industry continues to adapt, evolve, and grow.”

Research highlights the need for rapid innovation in the news media across the country. According to Sortlist, the average South African spends 10 hours online on their smartphones every day for work, general browsing, and social media. That means journalists need more than just having an engaging online presence but become platform creators. Journalists selected for the CD course will be upskilled in the creation of applications software using low code / no code platforms.

PMI is pleased to support SANEF’s efforts to drive digital transformation in the news media sector. “We are delighted to be part of this initiative to empower journalists with skills to unleash their creative potential and transform the sector. We look forward to seeing innovative ways of creating and sharing stories,” said George Asamani, MD of sub-Saharan Africa at PMI.

SANEF will soon issue an invitation to journalists to apply for the opportunity as well as admission requirements and the selection process.

For more information please contact:

Reggy Moalusi                                                                                   Usman Aly

SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695                               PMI regional communication lead for sub-                                                                                                                   Saharan Africa 0832298538

ENDS

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SANEF Calls for a Swift Probe Into Reported Threats Against the Star’s Editor

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has noted reports of threats made against The Star’s editor, by an ANC MP.

According to reports carried in various Independent Media’s titles, ANC member of parliament Boy Mamabolo allegedly told editor Sifiso Mahlangu to stop reporting on Dr Bejani Chauke, an adviser to President Cyril Ramaphosa, or face “assassination.”

Such a statement is not only a chilling threat to the life of Mahlangu but is also conduct that borders on criminal conduct.

SANEF has reached out to Mahlangu and requested that he shares the threatening messages from Mamabolo. He has yet to do so.

SANEF further notes Mahlangu’s decision to lay a criminal complaint against Mamabolo and calls for a full investigation into the matter.

SANEF stands for media freedom and believes that journalists should be given the space to do their work without political interference or intimidation.

While Independent Media, owners of The Star, are neither members of SANEF nor are they part of the Press Council of SA – like most mainstream media houses in South Africa – we believe that threats or intimidation directed at journalists should be condemned by all proponents of media freedom. Journalists have a right to do their job without fear or favour.

We call on the police to act swiftly in their investigation so that the matter can be brought to finality.

 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 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.

For more information please contact:

  •  Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Secretary-General (082) 379 4957
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
  • Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695 

 

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SANEF Mourns Donwald Pressly’s Death

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) sadly notes the passing of veteran journalist and editor, Donwald Pressly.

Pressly, a former journalist, and Cape Town bureau chief of Business Report, has been ill for some time after he was diagnosed with cancer. Pressly covered parliamentary news for twenty-five years until recently, he was a freelance journalist writing for outlets such as BizNews.

While covering Parliament, Pressly had a stint as chairperson of the Parliamentary Press Gallery. Pressly was one of the leading figures of the Cape Town Press Club, where he held several positions.

Before his focus on business journalism, Pressly covered parliamentary politics mostly for the morning newspapers. This is where he became friends with several politicians, across various political formations.

Pressly graduated from Rhodes University, earning a degree in politics. He also obtained a journalism qualification from Duke University.

Pressly wrote a book looking at the official opposition, titled The Changing Face of the DA. At some point in his journalism career, there was controversy when Pressly sought political office with the DA, while he was still a practicing journalist with Business Report.

He is survived by his wife, Jean-Marie de Waal.

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 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.

For more information please contact:

  •  Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Secretary-General (082) 379 4957
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
  • Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695 

 

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SANEF’s annual fundraising dinner remembers Black Wednesday, in honour of media freedom

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Forty-five years since the brutality of the events of Black Wednesday on 19 October 1977, media freedom was not only trampled upon back then, but we also still see this key tenet of Article 16 of the Bill of the Rights being violated this day, in a country with an august Constitution.

As key proponents and defenders of media freedom, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has since 2016 been holding an annual fundraising dinner during the week of Black Wednesday, aimed at raising funds towards legal cases that the organisation usually undertakes.

SANEF is always at the forefront of the protection of journalists’ media freedom and will always take up cases aimed at availing legal defences through a myriad of interventions, such as when access to courts is denied or journalists are hauled to court.

In some parts of our globe, journalists face stringent, punitive, and deadly working environments where they are being targeted, simply for doing their jobs. Here at home, we have noted an increased number of misogynistic posts on social media, all aimed at women journalists. Worryingly, we have also seen a former president taking a journalist to court, a development that should be condemned and challenged in its entirety.

Black Wednesday refers to events of 19 October 1977, when apartheid-era Justice Minister Jimmy Kruger outlawed over eighteen organisations, including the Union of Black Journalists (UBJ) and three newspapers, The World, Weekend World edited by Percy Qoboza, and Pro Veritate, the publication published by anti-apartheid activist Beyers Naude. Qoboza and his deputy, Aggrey Klaaste were imprisoned. Naude and Donald Woods, editor of the Daily Dispatch, were banned from writing and put under house arrest.

Sbu Ngalwa, SANEF’s chairperson, said: “As the media and the judiciary – working independently – we have kept the fires burning in this country while other institutions seemed to be falling apart. That is why we asked the former Deputy Chief Justice to speak on the following topic: The Media and the Judiciary: What role should they play in the post State Capture era.

“I’m sure we will learn a lot from his insights and wisdom – he may be retired but fortunately wisdom does not retire but is only sharpened by time. The easy answer to the topic would be to say – for us as the media – we need to continue being vigilant and to relentlessly hold the powerful to account.”

The annual fundraiser dinner was held in Johannesburg, where a notable number of corporates bought tables, in support of SANEF’s work. The dinner’s guest speaker was retired Deputy Chief Justice, Dikgang Moseneke.

In his address, Moseneke, said: “So SANEF has rightly joined others in our nation never to forget Black Wednesday.  History tends to repeat itself.  Then or now, here, or elsewhere, power brokers in public affairs and in private spaces detest and fear the Fourth Estate.  At the best of times, they would choose a compliant or uncritical media.  If everything else fails the powerful would choose to silence free, public expression by jailing, threatening or even murdering journalists. Journalists across the world are facing increasingly hostile environments. Many have been threatened and publicly assaulted or killed as they strive to search for the truth and publish the facts.  Just as well we wrote in Section 16 of our Constitution.

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.

For more information please contact:

  •  Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Secretary-General (082) 379 4957
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
  • Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695 

Socials

Annual Fundraiser Site Wide Image

Annual SANEF Fundraiser Dinner 2022

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Forty-five years since the brutality of the events of Black Wednesday on 19 October 1977, media freedom was not only trampled upon back then, but we also still see this key tenet of Article 16 of the Bill of the Rights being violated this day, in a country with an august Constitution.

As key proponents and defenders of media freedom, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has since 2016 been holding an annual fundraising dinner during the week of Black Wednesday, aimed at raising funds towards legal cases that the organisation usually undertakes.

SANEF is always at the forefront of the protection of journalists’ media freedom and will always take up cases aimed at availing legal defences through a myriad of interventions, such as when access to courts is denied or journalists are hauled to court.

In some parts of our globe, journalists face stringent, punitive, and deadly working environments where they are being targeted, simply for doing their jobs. Here at home, we have noted an increased number of misogynistic posts on social media, all aimed at women journalists. Worryingly, we have also seen a former president taking a journalist to court, a development that should be condemned and challenged in its entirety.

Black Wednesday refers to events of 19 October 1977, when apartheid-era Justice Minister Jimmy Kruger outlawed over eighteen organisations, including the Union of Black Journalists (UBJ) and three newspapers, The World, Weekend World edited by Percy Qoboza, and Pro Veritate, the publication published by anti-apartheid activist Beyers Naude. Qoboza and his deputy, Aggrey Klaaste were imprisoned. Naude and Donald Woods, editor of the Daily Dispatch, were banned from writing and put under house arrest.

Sbu Ngalwa, SANEF’s chairperson, said: “As the media and the judiciary – working independently – we have kept the fires burning in this country while other institutions seemed to be falling apart. That is why we asked the former Deputy Chief Justice to speak on the following topic: The Media and the Judiciary: What role should they play in the post State Capture era.

“I’m sure we will learn a lot from his insights and wisdom – he may be retired but fortunately wisdom does not retire but is only sharpened by time. The easy answer to the topic would be to say – for us as the media – we need to continue being vigilant and to relentlessly hold the powerful to account.”

The annual fundraiser dinner was held in Johannesburg, where a notable number of corporates bought tables, in support of SANEF’s work. The dinner’s guest speaker was retired Deputy Chief Justice, Dikgang Moseneke.

In his address, Moseneke, said: “So SANEF has rightly joined others in our nation never to forget Black Wednesday.  History tends to repeat itself.  Then or now, here, or elsewhere, power brokers in public affairs and in private spaces detest and fear the Fourth Estate.  At the best of times, they would choose a compliant or uncritical media.  If everything else fails the powerful would choose to silence free, public expression by jailing, threatening or even murdering journalists. Journalists across the world are facing increasingly hostile environments. Many have been threatened and publicly assaulted or killed as they strive to search for the truth and publish the facts.  Just as well we wrote in Section 16 of our Constitution.


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.

For more information please contact:

  •  Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Mary Papayya – SANEF Acting Secretary-General (082) 379 4957
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610-9374
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
  • Chiara Carter – Acting SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

 For The Buz Factor

Bridget van Oerle –  [email protected] (083) 263 6991
Soci:

 

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SANEF CONDEMNS INTIMIDATION AND HARASSMENT OF HERALD REPORTER

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The SA National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is appalled at claims of harassment and intimidation leveled against the media by locals who clashed with foreigners in Plettenberg Bay.

A reporter for The Herald, an Eastern Cape-based publication, was this week forced to leave her home because of threats of violence by community members in KwaNokuthula township.

The Herald editor Rochelle de Kock told SANEF that the reporter was now staying in a safe house.

So bad has the situation become that the reporter and the publication decided that her news reports will no longer carry her name in order to mitigate the intimidation and make her feel more at ease in a community in which she too is a member.

De Kock says the reporter was covering a protest march, along the N2 in Plettenberg Bay, by a large group of locals who have clashed with foreigners on September 01 when she was accosted. “They pushed her around and demanded she delete the footage she had taken. They threatened to break her phone. She was shaken by the incident and we told her to leave the scene,” says De Kock.

On Tuesday (September 20th), the Herald received screenshots of a discussion in a WhatsApp group where the locals not only expressed their displeasure at the work done by journalists in KwaNokuthula, but encouraged each other to “deal” with the Herald reporter and another journalist linked to Groundup.

SANEF abhors the use of violence – or even threats of violence – in resolving any disagreement. If anyone is unhappy with the work journalists do, they should freely approach the Press Council or the BCCSA.

Intimidating journalists to the point the reporters are uncomfortable to use their names on their news stories is indicative of the chilling effect this has on journalism. This is anathema to democracy.

SANEF finds the intimidation and threats against journalists unacceptable. We will always condemn this. We will support the Herald as a case has been opened, and we hope law enforcement agencies take appropriate action.

 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.

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610-9374
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
  • Rochelle De Kock – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
  • Katy Katopodis – Wellness & Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

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SANEF Welcomes Investigations Into Alleged Breach of Editorial Codes by Two City Press Journalists

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 The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) notes with concern reports regarding the suspension of two City Press reporters over allegations that they breached editorial ethical codes and the Press Code.

City Press parent company, Media24 CEO Ishmet Davidson confirmed the suspensions and said the company had started a process to establish the veracity of the claims against the reporters. SANEF welcomes this investigation.

Should evidence of these editorial breaches be found, action should be taken without fear or favour. Claims of this nature are potentially damaging not only to affected persons but to the industry as a whole.

For all of us in the media, journalistic integrity is paramount as it sits at the heart of the media’s contribution to building our democracy. Journalists are crusaders for accountability. It therefore follows that they too should be subject to the same accountability that they demand of those who exercise power in society.

Earlier this year, SANEF released a report that looked extensively at ethical breaches in South African newsrooms. The report also made numerous and helpful suggestions on how to curb unethical conduct.

We are encouraged by Davidson’s avowed commitment to ensure a speedy investigation. SANEF further calls on the company to be transparent about the outcome of the investigation, once it is concluded.

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.

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Adriaan Basson – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 562-2113
  • Monica Laganparsad – Acting Secretary-General (082) 578-6111
  • Nwabisa Makunga – Treasurer (082) 555-1972
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Acting Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610-9374
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Katy Katopodis – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (082) 805-7022
  • Chiara Carter – SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695
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SANEF Calls for Competition Reforms in Support of Journalism Sustainability  

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The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has released a position paper on journalism sustainability and competition in the digital economy, exploring ways in which competition law processes can be used to ensure fair competition between news organisations and tech platforms such as Google and Meta/Facebook.

In the paper SANEF emphasises the urgency of addressing competition in the digital advertising industry, for three reasons:

  • The impact on the news media sector necessitates immediate action to protect the sustainability of this crucial pillar of democracy.
  • The progress being made in other jurisdictions risks overtaking domestic efforts, and it is important that South Africa demonstrates its leadership in developing local responses to this global set of issues.
  • Noting the growing concern around the power and influence wielded by major technology platforms on the news media sector and other aspects of democracy, it is important to develop appropriate regulatory responses to ensure accountability.

The position paper assesses the feasibility of competition reform in South Africa aimed at advancing the sustainability and independence of journalism and achieving a fair and equitable relationship between news media and technology platforms in the SA digital economy.

The paper has been submitted to the Competition Commission for consideration, noting that the July 2022 provisional report on the Commission’s Online Intermediation Platforms Market Inquiry acknowledged the relevance of issues of news sustainability, but recommended that digital advertising issues should rather be addressed through a separate process, including potentially a more focused market inquiry.

This was the Inquiry’s response to submissions by the Publishers Support Services, representing South Africa’s largest news publishers, that the transition to digital news consumption and advertising had resulted in a massive decline in advertising revenue due to the dominance of Google and Facebook in the digital advertising market, and an increase in costs as newsrooms needed to devote resources to their digital presence. PSS stated that this transition had left publishers in a precarious financial position despite cutting costs, and that independent public interest journalism, as one of the cornerstones of a healthy democracy, was under threat as a result.

The position paper reports on the findings of a SANEF research project, conducted by ALT Advisory from late 2021 to early 2022, involving a range of stakeholders in the news media and digital advertising industries, regulators and government officials, as well as extensive desk research on the state of knowledge on related initiatives around the world.

The research covered a broad range of issues, from news media bargaining codes to securing payments from technology platforms to news publishers, the appropriation of news content by technology platforms without compensation, to news media’s competitiveness in today’s digital advertising industry and structural challenges of the digital advertising industry which leaves news publishers inherently disadvantaged.

One of the recommendations in the report is that, if a media bargaining code or related initiative in South Africa is considered, it should be guided by principles aimed at minimising the risks associated with this approach.  Responsible implementation in the South African context requires:

  • an inclusive approach that enables collective bargaining on behalf of small news publishers in order to address the risk of greater market concentration in the media and less media diversity;
  • ensuring criteria for determining levels of compensation that do not disincentivise innovation or exacerbate market incentives for poor-quality journalism;
  • introducing safeguards that ensure that decisions about participation are made by an impartial, reputable, and representative industry body;
  • ensuring that final payment terms are transparently disclosed to enable accountability; and
  • avoiding undermining the fundamentally open nature of the internet or limiting access to news by precipitating the removal of news content from technology platforms.

The paper also explores other forms of competition-focused regulation, given the dominance of technology platforms in the digital advertising industry, which may have positive downstream consequences for the news media by engendering greater competition, transparency, and accountability in the digital advertising industry and may create a more enabling environment for the sustainability of journalism.

These initiatives include comprehensive competition regulation in the digital economy more broadly, increased local taxation of the technology platforms, reforms within the operation of the digital advertising industry, and other efforts to increase the competitiveness of news publishers in the digital advertising market, such as the selling of pooled advertising or extending news regulation to technology platforms.

The position paper follows on a May 2021 SANEF research report setting out a series of policy options to promote media sustainability and realise universal access to public interest journalism in South Africa.  One of those policy initiatives relates to fostering fair competition in the digital economy, which is dealt with in detail in the new position paper.

The publication is intended as a resource for regulators, stakeholders in the news media sector, and other supporters of journalism sustainability in South Africa and beyond to better understand the advantages, challenges, and nuances of pursuing competition-based regulation or reform in the digital economy in South Africa.

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.

For more information please contact:

  • Sbu Ngalwa – SANEF Chairperson (073) 404-1415
  • Nwabisa Makunga – SANEF Deputy Chairperson (082) 555-1972
  • Tshamano Makhadi – Treasurer-General (082) 223 0621
  • Makhudu Sefara – SANEF Media Freedom Chair (079) 177-2134
  • Asanda Ngoasheng – Western Cape Convenor – 082 610-9374
  • Judy Sandison – SANEF KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
  • Dr. Glenda Daniels – SANEF Gauteng Convenor (083) 229-9708
  • Chiara Carter – Acting SANEF Eastern Cape Convenor (082) 659-9162
  • Reggy Moalusi – SANEF Executive Director (071) 682-3695

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