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
MMA is completing the report on the 2011 Local and Provincial Elections in South Africa and the Patients’ Rights: Writing it Right report on health coverage in the Zambian media, funded by OSI, and initiating the children's schools project for 2012, funded by the EU, where we teach children to monitor the media.
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: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Latest
- A reason to celebrate: MMA’s William Bird comments on the launch of the PFC report
William Bird, director of Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), says that the launch of the Press Freedom Commission (PFC)‘s report on press regulation in South Africa is significant for a number of reasons, and pays specific attention to the inclusion of a dedicated section on children by the new press code as recommended by the Commission. According to Bird, we all have great reason to feel good about the future of South Africa’s media thanks to the new press code.
- Rape is crime, play your part in reducing the harm
There has been a significant public outcry over the recent case of a girl being gang raped and the rape being filmed. The story appeared in the Daily Sun on Wednesday 18 April 2012 and was picked up by mainstream media shortly thereafter, with talk shows focusing on the issue as well. In addition to the brutality of the crime, Media Monitoring Africa believes that there are other key issues, outlined in this press release, that need to be considered.
- Saturday Star publishes MMA’s insiders insight into SA’s anti-traffciking efforts
- MMA's Child Protection & Trafficking Programme Head, Melanie Hamman and has followed up her article in Saturday Star (11/02/2012 p.11) with a second article that gives more of an insiders insight into the progress made in efforts to begin to combat this highly complex issue in South Africa.
- MMA oral submission on the Protection of State Information Bill
Media Monitoring Africa responded to a nomination by the National Council of Provinces’ (NCOP) ad hoc committee dealing with the Protection of State Information Bill (POSIB) to make an oral presentation on their submission. MMA welcomes much of the bill, but identified certain provisions of the bill which it views as problematic and suggests changes to seven sections of the bill to make it not only constitutional, but also to fulfill South Africa’s AU obligations.
- DTT Draft Regulations hearings underway
The South African Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is holding public hearings this week on the digital terrestrial television (DTT) Draft Regulations. Presentations from the SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition, Media Monitoring Africa and public broadcaster SABC are scheduled.
- Invite: Open House Debate on The Impact of Social Media on the Arab Spring
Invite: Open House Debate on The Impact of Social Media on the Arab Spring
Monday 5 March 2012 - 16:00 to 18:00
Follow: #ArabSpringSA
@MediaMattersZA
ProJourn, Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) and the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism (IAJ) invite you to an Open House public debate on The Impact of Social Media on the Arab Spring.
DATE & TIME: Monday 5 March 2012, 4-6pm
PLACE: Institute for the Advancement of Journalism, 9 Jubilee Rd, Parktown, JHB
CHAIR: David Chislett (ProJourn New Media Delegate, and multimedia journalist)
PANEL: 1) Benjamin Pogrund (former Rand Daily Mail Deputy Editor, now Israel-based correspondent for The Guardian and others)
2) Bassem Eid (former Kol Ha’ir journalist, now Director of the Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group, Palestine)
3) Bibi-Aisha Wadvalla (former correspondent for the SABC in Cairo during the Arab Spring)
- ICASA Presentation: Changing Regulatory Issues of the Sector ICASA 2.0
This is a presentation made by Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) at the Icasa Conference (20-21 February 2012). In its submission, MMA highlights the need for an independent and effective regulator, the need for a series of quality and diverse programming indicators, and the need for an upgrade to new methods of effective monitoring.
- We The People Campaign
We the people, is the preamble to the Constitution of both The United States of America and South Africa. It is also the title we have given an initiative we started to celebrate our constitution. It is 15 years old in February and despite the challenges we face in South Africa we think this is something to celebrate. Turns out a whole lot of others think so too. We have been overwhelmed by the support from some of the biggest stakeholders in the country. From Parliament and the ANC to crucial NGO’s and massive media companies, Media 24, Mnet, Kagiso, Avusa Print Media South Africa and more.
This Blog first appeared on http://blog.whoswhosa.co.za/
- Saturday Star tells MMA’s Tangled Trafficking Tale
MMA’s Child Protection & Trafficking programme head, Melanie Hamman, was recently published in the Saturday Star (11/02/2012, p11) In the article Melanie speaks about the subtle hidden crime of human trafficking in South Africa.How when it occurs and is even reported on it is seldom seen or identified; and the importance of exposing it whenever it is found.
- MMA Adresses Sunday Times’ Misreporting of Human Trafficking
Sunday Times published “Women tells of ordeal as drug-mule slave” on January 15th, 2012, which told the story of a women who was essentially trafficked for the purpose of forced drug trafficking, which the piece failed to mention. MMA addressed this to the editor along with other ethical dilemma’s that MMA felt the piece presented. Sunday Times Public Editor Joe Latakgomo then wrote about in his editorial on Sunday February 12th, 2012.
News
- A reason to celebrate: MMA’s William Bird comments on the launch of the PFC report
William Bird, director of Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), says that the launch of the Press Freedom Commission (PFC)‘s report on press regulation in South Africa is significant for a number of reasons, and pays specific attention to the inclusion of a dedicated section on children by the new press code as recommended by the Commission. According to Bird, we all have great reason to feel good about the future of South Africa’s media thanks to the new press code.
- Rape is crime, play your part in reducing the harm
There has been a significant public outcry over the recent case of a girl being gang raped and the rape being filmed. The story appeared in the Daily Sun on Wednesday 18 April 2012 and was picked up by mainstream media shortly thereafter, with talk shows focusing on the issue as well. In addition to the brutality of the crime, Media Monitoring Africa believes that there are other key issues, outlined in this press release, that need to be considered.
- Saturday Star publishes MMA’s insiders insight into SA’s anti-traffciking efforts
- MMA's Child Protection & Trafficking Programme Head, Melanie Hamman and has followed up her article in Saturday Star (11/02/2012 p.11) with a second article that gives more of an insiders insight into the progress made in efforts to begin to combat this highly complex issue in South Africa.
Resources
- MMA oral submission on the Protection of State Information Bill
Media Monitoring Africa responded to a nomination by the National Council of Provinces’ (NCOP) ad hoc committee dealing with the Protection of State Information Bill (POSIB) to make an oral presentation on their submission. MMA welcomes much of the bill, but identified certain provisions of the bill which it views as problematic and suggests changes to seven sections of the bill to make it not only constitutional, but also to fulfill South Africa’s AU obligations.
- ICASA Presentation: Changing Regulatory Issues of the Sector ICASA 2.0
This is a presentation made by Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) at the Icasa Conference (20-21 February 2012). In its submission, MMA highlights the need for an independent and effective regulator, the need for a series of quality and diverse programming indicators, and the need for an upgrade to new methods of effective monitoring.
- MMA Adresses Sunday Times’ Misreporting of Human Trafficking
Sunday Times published “Women tells of ordeal as drug-mule slave” on January 15th, 2012, which told the story of a women who was essentially trafficked for the purpose of forced drug trafficking, which the piece failed to mention. MMA addressed this to the editor along with other ethical dilemma’s that MMA felt the piece presented. Sunday Times Public Editor Joe Latakgomo then wrote about in his editorial on Sunday February 12th, 2012.
- The All Too Frequently Forgotten Form of Human Trafficking
Foreign Nationals as exotic dancers in South Africa are frequently not broadly thought of or reported on as possible victims of human trafficking. This article brings this form of trafficking to light, though MMA raises some crucial points about the issue of human trafficking that the story doesn’t go into.
- MMA Presentation to the Press Freedom Commission
This presentation was made by Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) to the Press Freedom Commission (PFC) public hearings (31 January 2012). In this presentation MMA highlights its support for a more independent regulation. The presentation also focused on the quality and ethical practice of Print Media
Blog
- We The People Campaign
We the people, is the preamble to the Constitution of both The United States of America and South Africa. It is also the title we have given an initiative we started to celebrate our constitution. It is 15 years old in February and despite the challenges we face in South Africa we think this is something to celebrate. Turns out a whole lot of others think so too. We have been overwhelmed by the support from some of the biggest stakeholders in the country. From Parliament and the ANC to crucial NGO’s and massive media companies, Media 24, Mnet, Kagiso, Avusa Print Media South Africa and more.
This Blog first appeared on http://blog.whoswhosa.co.za/
- SABC - helping to protect children?
SABC’s new “Hold My Hand” initiative aimed at helping protect children begs the question: what is SABC doing to help South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens? Not enough says MMA Director William Bird
- A case of politics before principle?
Is a move to more independent regulation of print media a good idea? If this means a new structure along the lines of that being proposed in Rapport’s Editorial then I am not so sure!
- SABC in danger of becoming a state broadcaster
The SABC is in the news again – for all the wrong reasons – again. We are almost getting used to this. This time however it is different. This time after an interim board had worked tirelessly to secure a loan agreement to allow the SABC to operate, after so many committed staff had ensured that despite the chaos the SABC still goes on air, even with one or two good programmes, (I would have said three or four but these other two are just repeats. Even the new 50/50 is a sad shadow of itself with more glitz but far less quality and content).
- Another SABC Public Mandate Bungle?
A story in the Sowetan, focused on how the SABC has bungled its own arrangements for finding a venue for its World Cup broadcast. According to the story SABC’s World Cup broadcasts were originally intended to be based at Nasrec – which if I recall correctly is the venue of the Media Centre for the World cup – so that at least made sense, as they would be with all the other media, making all the big personalities and celebrities easier to access, and they may even have had a view of the World Cup Calabash stadium in the background. This I can understand. What I cannot understand is why Sandton Convention Centre??
- 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.
Get Mad/Glad
- The Star scores in Child versus Chess Champ
The Star is applauded by Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) for its article “Young minds test against the greatest of them all” (26/03/2012,p.3) . The brilliantly written article as well as the accompanying pictures are child-centred, empowering, and are examples of best practice in covering children as well as evidence for why children should be consulted in stories.
- The Sowetan protects identities of alleged child rape victims and accused
The article in Sowetan, “Teen boy arrested for rape of 3 nieces” (26/03/2012, p. 5) provides a good example of how to safeguard the best interests of children when reporting on rape cases or other similar cases. It deserves a GLAD as it fully protects the identities of the abused children and the child suspect, and goes an extra mile to explain its decision to not reveal their identities.
- Special Assignment fails to minimise harm
While Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) applauds Special Assignment for raising awareness about the impact of TB on children, MMA believes that the end does not justify the means. Ethical guidelines breached in accomplishing the shows goal of raising awareness is not worth pursuing at the expense of children and children’s rights. The episode in question failed to minimise harm by not protecting the identities of the children affected by TB, in doing so, exposing them to potential stigma and rejection or discrimination.
- Child Witnesses In Need Of Protection By Our Media
Morning Live flouted both the legal and ethical journalistic practice by identifying a child witness in their news bulletin. While MMA is not sure at this stage whether consent of the parents to reveal the child’s identity was sought or not. The Criminal Procedure Act, clearly specifies that the identity of a child witness should not be revealed, either directly or indirectly.
- 3rd Degree’s insightful story on Ontlametse earns it a GLAD
A 3rd Degree episode, “Ontlametse: A Gift” is commendable for documenting the story of Ontlametse, a young girl affected by a rare fatal genetic disease called Progeria. The episode should be commended because it is child-centred, it went against the grain of portraying children as victims and instead portrayed the child in question as a survivor, and upheld her rights to freedom of expression by accessing her a number of times.
- Right’s of abused child not protected by Sowetan
An article by Sowetan is selected for a MAD for identifying a victim of abuse.
- Saturday Star exposes one pupil’s long journey to a quality education
Historically underprivileged schools in Johannesburg and arguably South Africa, often found in township areas face many challenges, amongst them, poor educational infrastructure and inadequate resources. In this regard, many children often travel from their homes in township areas to historically advantaged, well-resourced and better- performing schools in suburban areas. One such journey is made by Reabetswe Rakubu, a young lad from Soweto, who travels about 56 km by minibus taxi to his school in Malvern, in the east of Joburg and back. The story of young Reabetswe, told by Saturday Star is one to be GLAD about as it highlights the several challenges that many children face to acquire quality education.
- The New Age makes children vulnerable to stigmatisation and further hardship
The New Age earns itself a MAD for directly identifying pupils from a children’s home, labelling and stigmatising them as needy and orphans.
- Relate gets a MAD for violating legislation by identifying a child rape victim
It is with great worry and disappointment that Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) selects SABC 1’s programme Relate, for a MAD, for failing to respect the rights to dignity and privacy of a minor in one of their episodes. The 17 year old girl identified in the show was both a victim of rape and a witness to a criminal case. Two facts that the show clearly failed to take into consideration. Following this legal transgression, a complaint against the show was filed by MMA. Please read the commentary for further details and to get SABC’s Manager of Compliance, Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Fakir Hassen’s side of the story.
- Daily Sun violates child’s right to dignity
Public hospitals are marred with many controversies. At the top of the list of the controversies is the all too common issue of negligence, which many children unfortunately fall victim to. While the media can be commended for highlighting these cases of negligence and holding accountable those responsible for these reckless behaviors, the media’s responsibility in doing so in a manner that does not violate the rights of the affected children cannot be overlooked. Daily Sun therefore earns itself a MAD for failing to exercise extreme care and caution when publishing a photograph of a child who suffered brain damage as a result of medical negligence at a public hospital in Gauteng.
Twitter
William Bird
- “Haven't seen so many people at goodman gallery must be packed. #zumapainting #communicationscockup”– William Bird on 09:00 19/05
Follow William Bird @billbobbird
Media Matters
- “RT @gussilber: Victory for freedom of opinion as Presidency's complaint against Max du Preez column is dismissed. ... http://t.co/1LxizgS4”– Media Matters on 13:57 19/05
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