2. 3 Efforts are undertaken to increase the scope of circulation of the print media, particularly to rural communities. ANALYSIS: Circulation in rural areas is increasing. Some tabloids such as the Sun have set up their own distribution networks – which is, though, in danger of collapsing: some newspaper vendors take the upfront payment of R30 and dump the newspapers instead of selling them. Small newspapers who are members of the Association of Independent Publishers are challenging the monopoly on distribution networks held by the big media houses by setting up their own mechanisms. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.4 4, 3, 3, 5, 5, 5, 3, 3, 3 3.8 (2006 = 3.0) Broadcasting legislation has been passed and is implemented that provides for a conducive environment for public, commercial and community broadcasting. ANALYSIS: Broadcasting legislation has been passed and implemented. There is a three-tier system of broadcasting – public, commercial, community - in place and there is growth in all three sectors. SCORE: Individual scores: Average score: 2.5 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5 5.0 (2006 = 4.6) Community broadcasting enjoys special promotion given its potential to broaden access by poor and rural communities. ANALYSIS: Community radio has been well resourced and supported over the past 14 years. Millions of rands have come in from a range of national and international funding institutions, such as the Open Society Foundation, and provide ongoing support for non profit radio stations. Government and the private media sector together are funding a Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) which focuses on the development of media, especially radio, in rural and poor areas. Government is said to be planning to almost double its spending on the MDDA from 2007 to 2009. The Electronic Communication Act has simplified the process of applying for a community radio licence. Community broadcasting licences are now recognised as class licences and the process is one of registration rather than application. Registration can take place at any time and it is deemed to have been approved if there is no response from the regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), within 60 days of lodging the request. So This Is Democracy? 2008 -205- Media Institute of Southern Africa