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
Journalists free to cover the ZEC mobile voter registration exercise
Journalists are free to cover the ongoing Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) mobile voter registration exercise using their Zimbabwe Media Commission-issued press cards. On 13 March 2023, the Centre for Innovation & Technology (CITE), a Bulawayo-based media house...
#D4DJournalism: Reporting trip to the e-Governance Conference 2023
The e-Governance Conference, the most influential e-governance event in the international arena, brings together strategists, decision-makers, policy implementers, and donors to chart a future course for digital governance. The e-Governance Academy has organised this...
Freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom critical for credible elections in Southern Africa
By Tabani Moyo Four Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries are scheduled for elections in 2023. The four are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Madagascar and Zimbabwe. Eswatini stands out among the four nations, as the monarchy has gone...
Call for Applications: IJP German-Southern African Bursary 2023
Dear Colleagues, We would like to draw your attention to the call for applications for this year’s Horst Köhler Fellowship Programme / Southern African Bursary and we kindly ask you to spread the word among fellow journalists. Applications are still possible...
MISA Botswana elects new NGC
The Botswana Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Botswana) on 21 January 2023 elected a new National Governing Council (NGC) that will be led by Thomas Nkhoma as chairperson. The new NGC replaces the one that was led by Mboki Chilisa, who will...