media appeals tribunal re-opened the debate on the standard of journalism and reporting in the country. The print media sector took it upon itself to introspect and came up with a revised and easy to access Press Code in 20126. Despite notable professionalism and high levels of investigative journalism, there is very little diversity in the media’s coverage of issues. The mainstream media in South Africa, dominated by four print media oligopolies, one dominant public broadcaster, one commercial free-to-air television and two satellite television companies, provide very little space for various marginalised groups like women, social movements, community-based organisations and rural people. Women in particular are under-reported and under sourced by the mainstream media, despite a rise in the number of women in senior editorial and management positions. According to the 2011 Global Report on the Status of Women in the Newsroom by the International Women’s Media Foundation,7 substantial numbers of women are found in the upper-level occupations in the media in South Africa. The passing by the ANC-dominated parliament of the Protection of State Information Bill indicates that the government is increasingly becoming nervous around the media. There is concern that lobbying efforts by civic groups are left to very few urban groups – mainly the Right2Know Campaign, the Freedom of Expression Institute and the “SOS: Support Public Broadcasting” Coalition. There is therefore need to upscale advocacy campaigns to enhance public awareness and buy-in at the grassroots level. 6 7 South African Press Council. 2012. South African Press Code. Available at: http://www.presscouncil.org.za/ ContentPage?code=PRESSCODE Available at: http://iwmf.org/pdfs/IWMF-Global-Report.pdf AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SOUTH AFRICA 2013 11