Levelling the media playing field: lessons from South Africa

South Africa's democracy was founded some 30 years ago. The political transition was associated with a strong drive to improve access and participation in the media, particularly by groups that had been excluded under apartheid.

In a new study, researchers analyzed the effectiveness of a range of policy measures that were instituted around the start of South Africa’s democracy to “level the playing field”.

In their report, the authors assess policy interventions and adjustments that were put in place. They describe the current local media landscape with its significant growth, stressing that commercial models have been unable to fully redress inequalities. Hence, large social gaps in information access and chronic instability persist. The researchers conclude their work with a series of recommendations.

Franz Krüger, PhD, is associate researcher with the Wits Centre for Journalism in Johannesburg.

Sarah Chiumbu, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication and Media at the School of Communication at University of Johannesburg. 

Jayshree Pather is a development and community media expert and independent consultant.

The study was funded by the Center for International Media Assistance(CIMA), an initiative of the National Endowment for Democracy based in Washington, DC.