Who we are
Media Monitoring Africa (formerly the Media Monitoring Project) has promoted democracy and human rights through the media since 1993. It acts in a watchdog role to promote ethical and fair journalism that supports human rights.
What We Do
Media Monitoring Africa engages in a range of activities that aim to promote human rights and the democratic role of media. We utilise our research results to engage with media, government and civil society to improve practice and understanding around the importance of media ethics, quality and freedom.
Current Projects
The Global Media Monitoring Project day was 10 November 2009, MMA is currently analysing all contributing countries results for the under WACC. We have just finished monitoring and evaluating training provided by FrayIntermedia on covering migration and xenophobia and an analysis of SABC’s Kids News. Please contact us for more details.
Contact Us
For comment on current media issues or any other information contact us on:
Tel: +27 (0) 11 788 1278
Fax: +27 (0) 11 788 1289
Email:
Latest
- Women play secondary role in news, global media project finds
GENEVA — The Chinese proverb that women hold up half the sky does not apply to the news arena, results of the 2010 Global Media Monitoring Project suggest.
“Only 24 percent of persons seen, heard, or read about in the news are female,” said the project, coordinated by the Toronto-based World Association for Christian Communication, in a preliminary report released in Geneva. The findings are on the agenda of the 54th session of the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women in New York from March 1-12.
- Preliminary report of the 2010 Global Media Monitoring Project
Only 24% of persons seen, heard, or read about in the news are female.
This is one of the key findings of the 2010 Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP) The preliminary report is being released on 2 March 2010 at a panel discussion and debate on the occasion of the 54th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York.
- Back to School… An opportunity wasted?
The first day of school always gets media attention, with coverage of how children react to going to school for the first time. The day offers the opportunity to cover children taking a big step in their lives. Past coverage has included many images to show children’s reaction to this event. In the interest of children’s rights in the media, various print mediums were examined during the first week of schools opening for 2010 (13-17 January 2010), to explore the coverage dedicated to the event.
- Comment on the Public Service Broadcasting Bill
In this videoclip, William Bird of Media Monitoring Africa speaks with Polity’s Amy Witherden on the controversial Public Service Broadcasting Bill, which was released for public comment in October 2009.
- e.tv Journo Court Appearance: Case Postponed
e.tv news editor Ben Said and reporter Mpho Lakaje appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court this morning, Monday, 25 January 2010, in connection with the private station’s refusal to hand over what the police called ‘sensitive information’ pertaining to the security of the state. But the matter has been indefinitely postponed to allow the ‘South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) agreement’ to be honoured.
- Funding challenge and undervaluing the public service
Funding is one of the biggest problems the SABC faces. But it seems to me that they are missing using some of their best programming and most profitable channels to answer some questions about how best to proceed. A new and creative model and should explore some of the alternatives, and I think, surprise surprise, that a policy review process would enable us all to do this, and this will take time - so I also think we need to see if we can get SABC to operate more effectively as it is.
- MMA response to the Public Broadcasting Bill
MMA submission on the Public Broadcasting Bill expresses deep concern about many of the aspects of the Bill, including its economic viability and constitutionality. The response requested more research into the viability of the Bill.
Key areas of concern addressed in the submission are:
- The funding model seems to be inadequate, and it is unclear whether sufficient research has been done on the feasibility and economic impact of the proposed change in funding.
- The Minister’s of Communications’ powers in the proposed Bill, which undermine the independence of the SABC itself, as well as the democratic role of Parliament.
- Legal issues, such as the need to amend several laws, such as the SABC charter changing, the mandate of the Media Diversity and Development Agency (MDDA) and aspects of the Constitution, and the.
- The lack of proper consultation, and far too limited time to do proper research by stakeholders; since the Bill is a complete overhaul of existing legislation, a two month period, over the December holidays, and lack of clear communication by the Department itself, does not constitute proper consultation
- Journalists subpoenaed after story on thugs’ World Cup plans
MEDIA analysts have questioned a police decision to have two eNews journalists subpoenaed, after a story was broadcast on criminals’ plans for the Soccer World Cup.
Reporter Mpho Lakaje’s story, aired last Friday, featured interviews with two criminals. One said he would rob tourists during the World Cup. Another said he would shoot his way out of a standoff with police if he felt his life was in danger.
- SOS submission on Public Service Broadcasting Bill calls for urgent policy review process
The SOS: Supporting Public Broadcasting Coalition, of which MMA is a part, submitted their submission on the Public Service Broadcasting Bill on Friday 15 January 2010.
The Coalition wishes to recognise and applaud the Department of Communications and the Minister of Communications for trying to act swiftly in bringing about much-needed legislative reform. The Coalition welcomes the sense of urgency and energy behind the Proposed Bill. That said, the Coalition is also of the view that while the Bill has a number of positive elements which we certainly support, there are unfortunately a number of problems with it as currently drafted which, if not addressed, will result in the latter not being able to be passed by Parliament.
Overall the Coalition argues that the Bill is premature and that it needs to be proceeded by a substantive policy review process.
News
- Women play secondary role in news, global media project finds
GENEVA — The Chinese proverb that women hold up half the sky does not apply to the news arena, results of the 2010 Global Media Monitoring Project suggest.
“Only 24 percent of persons seen, heard, or read about in the news are female,” said the project, coordinated by the Toronto-based World Association for Christian Communication, in a preliminary report released in Geneva. The findings are on the agenda of the 54th session of the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women in New York from March 1-12.
- Preliminary report of the 2010 Global Media Monitoring Project
Only 24% of persons seen, heard, or read about in the news are female.
This is one of the key findings of the 2010 Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP) The preliminary report is being released on 2 March 2010 at a panel discussion and debate on the occasion of the 54th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York.
- Comment on the Public Service Broadcasting Bill
In this videoclip, William Bird of Media Monitoring Africa speaks with Polity’s Amy Witherden on the controversial Public Service Broadcasting Bill, which was released for public comment in October 2009.
- e.tv Journo Court Appearance: Case Postponed
e.tv news editor Ben Said and reporter Mpho Lakaje appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court this morning, Monday, 25 January 2010, in connection with the private station’s refusal to hand over what the police called ‘sensitive information’ pertaining to the security of the state. But the matter has been indefinitely postponed to allow the ‘South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) agreement’ to be honoured.
- Journalists subpoenaed after story on thugs’ World Cup plans
MEDIA analysts have questioned a police decision to have two eNews journalists subpoenaed, after a story was broadcast on criminals’ plans for the Soccer World Cup.
Reporter Mpho Lakaje’s story, aired last Friday, featured interviews with two criminals. One said he would rob tourists during the World Cup. Another said he would shoot his way out of a standoff with police if he felt his life was in danger.
- SOS submission on Public Service Broadcasting Bill calls for urgent policy review process
The SOS: Supporting Public Broadcasting Coalition, of which MMA is a part, submitted their submission on the Public Service Broadcasting Bill on Friday 15 January 2010.
The Coalition wishes to recognise and applaud the Department of Communications and the Minister of Communications for trying to act swiftly in bringing about much-needed legislative reform. The Coalition welcomes the sense of urgency and energy behind the Proposed Bill. That said, the Coalition is also of the view that while the Bill has a number of positive elements which we certainly support, there are unfortunately a number of problems with it as currently drafted which, if not addressed, will result in the latter not being able to be passed by Parliament.
Overall the Coalition argues that the Bill is premature and that it needs to be proceeded by a substantive policy review process.
- Children’s Views Not in the News
For Immediate Release 15 December 2009
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), as part of its Empowering Children and the Media (ECM) strategy, today released its research results of selected print media’s coverage of children and children’s rights in the news.
The report reveals that children, children’s rights and their issues are afforded very little coverage in the South African media. The latest data to emerge from the ECM reveals that representation of children has improved, marginally, to 8.4% (from 6% in 2003) of all news monitored in 2009. MMA Director, William Bird, said, “The marginal representation is damning, considering that figures from Stats SA show that children account for around 37 to 40% of South Africa’s population. Not only does this mean that the core issues of such a substantial portion of our population are not being covered, but it also highlights the media’s failure to seize a great opportunity to attract younger readers.”
- Presidency vs M&G: a breach of trust?
The Presidency has been accused of acting improperly and discrediting itself after leaking the Mail & Guardian’s lead story to South Africa media late last week.
- New deadline for broadcasting bill ‘cosmetic’
COMMUNICATIONS Minister Siphiwe Nyanda yesterday bowed to public pressure and extended the deadline for public comment on the controversial Public Service Broadcasting Bill to January 15, but media watchdog Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) called the extension “cosmetic”.
Resources
- Back to School… An opportunity wasted?
The first day of school always gets media attention, with coverage of how children react to going to school for the first time. The day offers the opportunity to cover children taking a big step in their lives. Past coverage has included many images to show children’s reaction to this event. In the interest of children’s rights in the media, various print mediums were examined during the first week of schools opening for 2010 (13-17 January 2010), to explore the coverage dedicated to the event.
- MMA response to the Public Broadcasting Bill
MMA submission on the Public Broadcasting Bill expresses deep concern about many of the aspects of the Bill, including its economic viability and constitutionality. The response requested more research into the viability of the Bill.
Key areas of concern addressed in the submission are:
- The funding model seems to be inadequate, and it is unclear whether sufficient research has been done on the feasibility and economic impact of the proposed change in funding.
- The Minister’s of Communications’ powers in the proposed Bill, which undermine the independence of the SABC itself, as well as the democratic role of Parliament.
- Legal issues, such as the need to amend several laws, such as the SABC charter changing, the mandate of the Media Diversity and Development Agency (MDDA) and aspects of the Constitution, and the.
- The lack of proper consultation, and far too limited time to do proper research by stakeholders; since the Bill is a complete overhaul of existing legislation, a two month period, over the December holidays, and lack of clear communication by the Department itself, does not constitute proper consultation
- Children’s Views Not in the News: Portrayal of Children in South African Print Media 2009
Monitoring conducted by Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) in 2003 as part of the Empowering Children & the Media (ECM) strategy showed that only 6% of all news included children. The latest data to emerge from the ECM reveals that representation of children has improved, marginally, to 8.4% of all news monitored in 2009. The monitoring shows that not only are children’s issues frequently sidelined, but un-careful and unethical reporting often leads to further violations of their rights.
- Race and Migration in the Community Media: Local stories, common stereotypes
In South Africa, racism and xenophobia, widely recognised as human rights violations, are particularly pertinent. A long history of institutionalised racism, most recently apartheid, saw the classification, segregation and discrimination of people along racial lines. It has shaped perceptions, attitudes, identities, and relationships, and left a legacy of inequality. In May 2008, xenophobia came starkly to the public’s attention, in the form of violence targeted at perceived “foreigners”, making local, national and international headlines. However, negative and discriminatory attitudes and behaviour towards migrants, or xenophobia, have long been documented as widespread and problematic in South Africa. Black immigrants in particular are victims of xenophobic attitudes and treatment.
For many South Africans, community and small commercial media are not only important sources of information for communities about issues affecting them, which may include racism and xenophobia, but also about “groups” of people that they may not come into contact with. While research has helped establish how the national and provincial media cover issues of race, racism, migrants and xenophobia, little information is available about coverage by community and small commercial media. To address this need, Media Monitoring Africa conducted research into how issues of race, ethnicity, migrants, racism and xenophobia are represented in community and small commercial newspapers.
- The Walls of Africa - coverage of the fall of the Berlin Wall
Around the world people celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall. It symbolised the end of the Cold War and signified the start of a new world order. The single most important question – how did it affect Africa? – is only addressed by a few newspapers in South Africa. However, the question seems more relevant today with public and political debate on nationalisation and demands for a developmental state model.
Blog
- Funding challenge and undervaluing the public service
Funding is one of the biggest problems the SABC faces. But it seems to me that they are missing using some of their best programming and most profitable channels to answer some questions about how best to proceed. A new and creative model and should explore some of the alternatives, and I think, surprise surprise, that a policy review process would enable us all to do this, and this will take time - so I also think we need to see if we can get SABC to operate more effectively as it is.
- SABC in crisis but still broadcasting
Our public broadcaster is in crisis, nothing new there. The SABC manages to confound and amaze, nothing new there either really. It amazes because despite all the crises we really do need to give credit to those who ensure that it is still ticking over.
- Elections bull driving you mad, politicians full of it? Here’s how you can make a difference
According to figures from the Stats SA website (www.statssa.gov.za – you should go there –it offers really cool ways to play with population data) based on their 2008 mid year population estimate, children account for between 39% and 43% of South Africa’s population.
That seems quite a lot. Seriously. Zambia has more, 52% of Zambia’s population are children, incredible. If we look at news, we certainly wouldn’t have any idea that children make up such a huge chunk of the population.
- Calling on media to adopt an agenda in reporting elections
Tune in to Media @ SAfm
Elections are coming and some say they may be sooner than we anticipate. We say hooray! We love elections at MMA. There is a certain inexplicable joy at the prospect of monitoring a whole lot of media, analysing each news item, tracking the big stories and the little ones too, considering issues of fairness and bias, party coverage and gender equality.
- 50/50 - highlighting the potential of the SABC
50/50 Watch this programme!
Sometimes you aren’t sure about telling people about something good in case it ruins it. Usually in the case of a restaurant if you tell too many people about it, it can get too popular, lose its charm and authenticity and become rubbish. In the current instance, I am thinking of a television programme. My fear isn’t so much about the programme becoming too popular, rather I think if it continues to fly under the radar it may just stay on air.
I’m talking about 50/50, a programme so good SABC marketing people never think to advertise it as a clear example of what our public broadcaster can do.
- Thank you South Africa thank you, the silly season…
If like me you don’t have satellite TV and you had a little more free time than normal over the last few weeks and rather than the wrestling feast that seems to be on e-tv almost 24hours a day… Hang on, I know this is mid sentence but really there is a new programme on etv that makes Cheaters look like good television. It is called Diva Diaries and it appears to be an excuse for scantily clad women to “wrestle.” Now don’t get me wrong I am all for lowest common denominator media, we all need a break from reality and there is a lot to be said about tabloids and mind numbing television programmes but in the case of Diva Diaries it is just mind numbingly bad. Naturalising violence against women, stupidity and sexism in one programme is a minor feat I guess and it makes the other wrestling look like brilliant programming.
- Looking for Hope
I am amazed by two recent media events. Special Assignment last Tuesday (9/12/2008) was a follow-up to their expose of an alleged paedophile. Curiously the programme’s focus seemed designed to be more about staving off a legal challenge from the subject of the programme. Early into the programme the journalist says, “due to ongoing legal threats by his lawyers we decided to do a follow-up story.” The programme then goes on to highlight other issues relating to the story that occurred prior to the expose first being aired.
- Digital migration
On World Aids Day, ICASA held its second day of hearings into Digital Terrestrial Television, and digital migration regulations. When I first heard about them I had no idea what they were all about, whether they were important or what the issues were. Luckily as a member of the Save our SABC Coalition (see here) I attended a session where former ICASA councillor Libby Lloyd gave a presentation on Digital Migration. It was brilliant and I highly recommend you have a look at it as it explains the key concepts in very accessible way. (Libby has kindly given us permission to put it on our website.) Don’t know your Set top Box from your Dual Illumination? Check out the presentation. Libby’s presentation was so effective that it resulted in both the SOS Coalition and MMA making submissions to ICASA on the Digital Migration Regulations.
- Political will and violence
We have entered the 16 Days of Activism campaign of no violence against women and children. Yes it is limited only to the 16 days and yes there are certain difficulties with this. But we also need to acknowledge this for media especially; we need a campaign to ensure that these issues are the major media focus for at least a few weeks of the year.
- Celebrating 15 years in style
We are having a party. Not just because it is the end of the year but because MMP has been monitoring the media since 1993, that’s 15 years. 15 years for a small NGO I think is pretty good, especially when you do what we do, which is monitor the media.
But why have we been doing? Why should you care and how have we managed to stay around doing something some people think involves arriving at the office and reading a newspaper? I will try and answer some of these questions, but before I do I think it is worth looking at what we have to celebrate.
Get Mad/Glad
- The Times praises child hero
The front-page article “Girl, 11, saves friends from deadly blaze” published in The Times (10/02/2010) is about an 11 year-old girl who saved a number of fellow orphans from a blazing building. The story by Teneshia Naidoo is one to be glad of.
- World Cup clean-up impacts homeless children
The Mail & Guardian report “Rounded up and shipped out” (22/01/2010, p. 4) by Niren Tolsi stands out for the way it highlights children’s rights in the midst of the World Cup fever. The report gives a voice to street children, who are rarely made visible in media reports, and provides insight in the complex nature of the challenges they face and how government chooses to address these in the build up to the World Cup.
- Cape Times identifies child witness
The article, “Boy imitates mom’s murder” (Cape Times, 04/02/2010, p. 6) is one to be mad about. The story talks about how a three-year-old boy witnessed his father shoot and kill his mother and two other men before hijacking three cars.
- Children have agency as The Times show
Children are often reported on in a very limited way as “innocents” or silent “victims” . However, The Times article (“Pupils still waiting for school”, 20/01/2010, p. 5) by Zandile Mbabela gave children a voice and portrayed them as active citizens rather than passive recipients of adult behaviour. For this, The Times deserve was picked as the MAD OAT Glad for the week..
- Sunday Sun hows editorial commitment to ending child abuse
The editorial by Themba Khumalo, “Maiming a child’s spirit is the worst of all sins” in the Sunday Sun (29/11/2009, pg. 14) was one to be glad about. The editorial talked about the pain, hurt and suffering that children go through without having several basic rights such as the right to dignity, parental care, food and emotional support. This is demonstrated in the editorial by using a case study of a little girl who was a victim of child abuse.
- Daily Sun identifies child witnesses and disregards their grief
Three child witnesses were identified in an article published by the Daily Sun about a nine-year-old boy who hid his two younger brothers, in order to protect them from their enraged father. The article, entitled “Ibhavu of life” (23/11/2009, p.2), received a MAD OAT Mad nomination, wrapping up the MAD OAT nominations for the year, around one of Media Monitoring Africa’s (MMA) concerns in 2009 - the identification of child witnesses.
- Missing children should not be re-identified when found
There has been a substantial amount of coverage in the media lately, around a 13-year-old girl who went missing with her friend but was found at a later stage. “Girl found man held” (The Times, 09/11/2009, p.5) received a MAD OAT Glad nomination for avoiding re-identifying the girl, after she had been found.
- City Press gets distinction for nutrition tips for matrics
The article in City Press, “Exam meals of distinction” (08/11/2009, p. 12), by Gershwin Chuenyane is one to be glad of. The article assists matric learners and parents by teaching them how to prepare nutritional food for the final exams.
- The Times identifies two child witnesses
Two child witnesses were identified in an article by The Times, entitled “’Police’ rough justice” (26/10/2009, p. 6), about a military officer allegedly beaten up with his family. The article was consequently selected for a MAD OAT Mad nomination.
- The Times tackles Education Department over convicted sex offender
The recently released crime statistics reveal the failure, not only of the police, but of all South Africans, in not doing everything possible to address crime. However, over September and October 2009 The Times took on community apathy in their coverage of a child abuse story, keeping the issue in the public eye through various stories and two editorials, until there was some action on the case. For this, The Times and reporters Zandile Mbabele, Werner Swart, Kim Hawkey, Lauren Cohen, deserve a Glad nomination.
Your Media Personality
Complain to Media
Compliment Media
Subscribe
Keep up to date with the latest MMA news and resources, delivered to your email inbox.
Poll
