SECTOR 2

2.3 The editorial independence of print media
published by a public authority is protected
adequately against undue political interference
This is not applicable in South Africa as there is no state print media.

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country meets only a few aspects of indicator

3

Country meets some aspects of indicator

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator

Average score:

n/a (2013: 2.2; 2010: n/a; 2008: n/a; 2006: n/a)

2.4 Transparency of ownership of media houses in
print/broadcasting is guaranteed by law and
enforced
The transparency of ownership regarding media houses in the print sector is not
guaranteed by law or enforced.
The Electronic Communications Act’s broadcasting licence regulations require
broadcasters, by law, to be transparent and open about their ownership. While
this is a requirement, in practice the Independent Communications Authority of
South Africa (ICASA) ‘doesn’t look too deeply into ownership issues to regulate
it’.
Panellists noted that it is often not possible to ‘pierce the corporate veil of
trust ownership’ of the formerly Gupta-owned TV station ANN7 (Africa News
Network 7).
‘ANN7 could not have come into being without the [former President Jacob]
Zuma connection.’

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AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SOUTH AFRICA 2018

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