SECTOR 2 dominate. ‘During the “#FeesMustFall” protests, 90% of the coverage was on Wits [Witwatersrand] University and not on the University of Johannesburg [which is historically a merger of black and Afrikaans academic interests].’ ‘It’s not just about whether particular voices are represented, but how they are represented. Women may be interviewed, but are they there as stereotypes of the community with rollers in their hair?’ ‘It should be a question of fair representation that doesn’t enforce stereotypes. For example, how is a gay person represented? As a stereotype or a true, fair reflection?’ People with disabilities were also not represented in the same way as the ablebodied and the media were accused of being ‘very able-istic’ in this regard. In terms of entertainment, the SABC broadcast a wider variety of voices than in news, but the linguistic dominance of Nguni languages on the public broadcaster was a ‘big concern’. Panellists said rural issues are barely covered by the media, although mention was made of work being done by certain NGOs in relation to pit latrines, which was at the time covered by the mainstream media. In terms of religion, there is insufficient diversity. Panellists noted that Christianity tends to get the most coverage, even on what are ostensibly community broadcasting platforms (such as Jozi FM, which proselytises from a Christian standpoint). 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: ✓✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓ 1.8 (2013: 1.9; 2010: 2.2; 2008: n/a; 2006: n/a) 2.9 Media cover the full spectrum of economic, cultural, political, social, national and local perspectives and conduct investigative stories The mainstream media tend to focus on South African political and economic news, particularly on a national level with less of a focus on provincial or local 29 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER SOUTH AFRICA 2018