challenges have been brought before the commission yet. In the broadcasting and telecommunications sector, however, the commission has ruled on proposed mergers – for example Primedia’s planned buy-out of Kaya FM, where strict conditions were imposed (Primedia is not allowed to have a seat on the board of the radio station). The commission also refused a merger between Telkom, the largest telecommunications provider in South Africa, and Business Connexions, its main competitor. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.9 5, 5, 5, 5, 3, 5, 4, 5, 5 4.7 (2006 = 3.0) Government promotes a political and economic environment which allows a diverse media landscape. ANALYSIS: The media work in a capitalist environment that allows diversity in some areas and not in others. The MDDA is not in a position to address or change the wider economic environment, but is confined to supporting non-profit and small media. Community radio has grown through outside funding. The government has a general policy of non-subsidisation for all areas of the economy including media. The public broadcaster gets 4 % of its budget from government. Ownership of print media is not sufficiently diverse. Unlike other branches of the economy the industry does not have its own Black Economic Empowerment Charter yet which has to be drafted by Print Media SA. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: 2.10 3, 4, 3, 4, 2, 4, 3, 4, 4 3.4 (2006 = 2.6) Private media outlets operate as efficient and professional businesses. ANALYSIS: According to Nielsen Media Research’s Multimedia, the adspend for print media in South Africa has risen from 6480.2 million rand in 2005 to 7683.3 million in 2006 (no newer figures are available). This indicates that the industry is doing well. The oligopoly status of the print media, with four major companies (AVUSA Ltd [former Johnnic], Caxton, Independent Newspapers and Nasionale Pers) dominating the industry, secures a profitable economic framework. Competition from new titles such as the Daily Sun comes from within these conglomerates and thus does not put the comfortable status quo in danger. SCORES: Individual scores: Average score: So This Is Democracy? 2008 5, 4, 5, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5 4.7 (2006 = 3.7) -207- Media Institute of Southern Africa