Media freedom, independence and diversity
MISA advocates for media law reform and institutional and policy changes that further an independent, pluralistic and sustainable three-tier system of broadcasting as as outlined in the African Charter on Broadcasting.
The three-tier system means having community, public and commercial broadcasting that provide content for local, regional and national audiences. Such as system enhances diversity and can help combat the domination of state broadcasters and the exclusion of minority voices.
Community broadcasting
Community media is operated in the community, for the community, about the community and by the community. It is independent, free from political or commercial interference and can, therefore, facilitate public platforms for debate and discussion and promote social agendas.
The reach of community media, particularly radio, means it provides information and a platform of expression to remote, grassroots communities that may not be represented in other media. The main challenges community radio and television faces in the region are lack of legislation, regulation and infrastructure to support the establishment and licensing of community media, and the inability to sustain themselves beyond donor seed money.
Public service broadcasting
Public service broadcasting is created, financed and controlled by the public, for the public. It is neither commercial nor state-owned and is therefore free from political or commercial interference.
Public service broadcasting informs, educates and entertains. It is an essential part of a pluralistic, diverse broadcasting sector.
Media freedom news from our chapters
Parly issues adverse report on court electronic management system
The Parliamentary Legal Committee has issued an adverse report on Statutory Instrument 153 of 2023 High Court (Amendment) Rules, 2023 (NO.1), which relates to the Judicial Service Commission’s Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS). The Committee met on...
A Decade of Internet Freedom in Africa: Report Documents Reflections and Insights from Change Makers
This special edition has been produced as part of the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the publication of the State of Internet Freedom in Africa (SIFA) report and the annual convening of the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica). The first editions...
Spaces of Solidarity analysis of the South African Broadcasting Corporation SABC Bill
Introduction In June 2021, the South African government gazetted the SABC Bill, which seeks to repeal the current Broadcasting Act, 1999 (Act 4 of 1999). The proposed law seeks to strengthen the efficiency of the operations of the SABC, a public broadcaster. The...
MISA welcomes enactment of ATI legislation in Zambia
The Zambian government has enacted the long-awaited access to information legislation becoming the latest country in Southern Africa to do so after Namibia, which enacted similar legislation in 2022. Access to information legislation has been a contentious issue for...
Media development in Zimbabwe: Imperative need to connect the dots
By Dr Tabani Moyo Media development in Zimbabwe requires a holistic approach, alive to the gains accrued thus far and complex enough to connect the scattered dots through an outward-looking strategy responsive to the evolving needs of the media development ecosystem....