Community media have been supported for approximately three decades, but South Africa's information environment continues to be highly u...
Community media have been supported for approximately three decades, but South Africa's information environment continues to be highly unequal.
The spread of media closely aligns with the country'ssocio-economic inequality. Individuals residing in middle-income suburbs have increasing access to a wide array of information resources. Less affluent regions and rural areas frequently experience a lack of news availability.
Continued backing for community media has certainly contributed to the expansion of media in underrepresented regions. Approximately 230 community radio stations are now licensed,as per the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa. The Association of Independent Publishersfeatures approximately 190 print and online members.
Nevertheless, numerous entities are struggling merely to remain operational. The availability of media platforms is heavily concentrated in urban areas, capital cities, and other political and economic hubs.
In a recent policy paper, South African media expertsSarah Chiumbu, Jayshree Patherand I embarked on understanding how the post-apartheid initiative to make space in the media for underrepresented voices unfolded. We examined what it has achieved and what changes could be recommended.
Our report, Balancing the media landscape: Insights from South Africa, analyzed the evolution and execution of policy during the past three decades. We discovered that it has been characterized by ambiguity, overlooked areas, and political influence. We suggest that it's time to reconsider what can be done to enhance media accessibility in a quickly changing technological landscape.
What we found
We analysedThree decades of policy development have revealed a number of vulnerabilities. The original motivation for media reform stemmed from a powerful wish to enhance the inclusivity of South Africa's democracy. The goal was to provide space for voices that had been previously silenced and overlooked.
However, over time, political developments and increasing tensions between the ruling African National Congress and mainstream media influenced the government's stance on community media. At the same time, weaknesses and ongoing crises in key state institutions, such as theMedia Development and Diversity Authority, restricted their capacity to offer a beneficial impact.
Community television has faced significant challenges due to the policy confusion. Because of the higher costs associated with the medium, there was a lot of uncertainty about whether a non-profit model could work, or if commercial or regional public service models should be considered. And community TVoperators have complainedthat the long-delayed and badly handled transition to digital terrestrial television has overlooked their requirements. They have cautioned that its structure endangers their prospects.
At a deeper level, an inability to address the economic challenges faced by underprivileged communities has led providers to embrace a business-oriented approach and mindset. This shifts away from the romanticized concept of community media.
Read more: South Africa's media have performed well over 30 years of freedom but require greater variety
Although considered inadequate, advertising conducted by different government bodies has turned into a major revenue stream. This has led to a susceptibility to manipulation by local authorities.
We encountered the tale of a newspaper located in a mining town within the Northwest province, where the mayor attempted to acquire the publisher. After being rejected, he tried to establish a competing newspaper. This endeavor failed, leading him to cease municipal advertisements with the publication. As a result, it had to shut down for several years. It has since resumed operations following a shift in local political leadership.
Community media policy-making has also been incorporated into discussions about new media technologies. The current draftOfficial Document Regarding Audio and Audio-Visual Media Services and Online Security, released in July 2025, follows this pattern.
It states its objective as aiming to ensure that
Every South African, irrespective of location or financial background, has the ability to access a diverse selection of high-quality, pertinent, and ethical material.
However, it gives minimal consideration to the practical and financial limitations affecting the edges of the information system.
There is no doubt that the rapid pace and intricacy of technological advancement presents a difficult policy landscape. Nevertheless, weargueprioritizing the public's right to access information as a foundational element—while acknowledging the existing disparities and their significance—should remain central to the conversation.
Our recommendations
Our primary suggestion is a policy addressing information disparity. We recommend four specific actions to enhance the conditions for small, independent media in underrepresented regions.
- The complete collection of current policies, procedures, and organizations should be reviewed to determine their effectiveness in meeting the needs of those remaining at the edges of the information system. Appropriate institutions, such as the state-ownedMedia Development and Diversity Authority, require a complete revision to make them suitable for their intended use.
- Opportunities within the market and the government should be recognized to provide enhanced support for independent local media. Examples include improved long-term access to government skills development funds. There are also new funding sources available from internet companies such as Google and programs like theDigital News Transformation Fund.
- Government expenditure on communication should support independent local media. Nevertheless, we strongly believe that a new framework is necessary to guarantee that it is utilized fairly and transparently across all levels and branches of government, asis the custom followed in other nations.
- We recommend a fundamental income grant for media operating at the outermost parts of the information network. Local economies in remote regions are unable to support local journalism. The expectation for news outlets in these communities to become self-sufficient is not practical. Certain type of continuous financial support will be essential to guarantee that residents in these areas receive adequate coverage. However, the structure of such a program would require extensive additional debate.
The Wits Centre for Journalism will host a public webinar discussing the report, Levelling the media playing field: Lessons from South Africa, on 17 November 2025 at 13:00 (SAST). Sign up.here.
Franz Krüger, Research Associate, University of the Witwatersrand
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Tagged: South Africa, Press and Media, Southern Africa
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