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
- Submission to Department of Communications (DOC) on the ICASA Amendment Bill
Media Monitoring Africa registers its concern over the relatively short time period for submissions. Given the importance and scope of the Bill, not just in terms of the issues it seeks to change but also that if implemented it would impact every person in South Africa, and given that there has not yet been a policy review process we believe the short period has prevented:
- Proper, broad-based meaningful consultation with members of the public
- In-depth debate and discussion on the various changes
- The development of clear alternatives to some of the issues provided.The move by the Department of Communications to amend the policy governing ICASA is an exciting and invigorating moment for South Africa. It is of fundamental importance to ensure that all South Africans participate in shaping our “independent” regulator’s future. Especially given the history of its formation, and creation as critical to democracy and media independence. In addition, the role of “independent” regulation in this new digital era is critical to ensuring that all citizen’s needs are catered for, and not just a select few, with higher LSM’s for instance.
- Child Safety Measures during the World Cup – how did we do?
“There was no money set aside (by government) for the protection of children.”
(Gyan Dwarika, Social Work Advance Specialist: Child Exploitation, Department of Social Development)
With children on extended holidays for the duration of the World Cup, there were concerns that the sporting event brought with it new threats and risks in terms of children’s safety. Children from Saxonwold and Naturena Primary Schools in Johannesburg wanted to find out what was done to keep children safe during the World Cup, how effective they had been, and what role the media had played!
- The Times: Crass or caring?
The Times has been inundated with letters and phone calls after publishing a picture of a newborn baby girl who was burned and dumped in open veld in Soweto on Tuesday.
- ANC asks moms not to dump babies
The ANC in Gauteng implored new mothers who did not want their babies to stop the “horrendous” practice of dumping them in the veld, dustbins and pit latrines, in response to a picture in The Times on Wednesday of a dead baby found in Soweto.
- Dead baby pic in ‘The Times’, not okay says MMA
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) is concerned about ‘The Times’ decision to publish an image of a dead infant on its front page (21/07/2010). Can such a decision be justified?
- Times Too hasty in Picture Publication
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) is concerned about The Times’ decision to publish an image of a dead infant on its front page (21/07/2010).
- A stronger, not weaker, Icasa is needed to sort out the SABC
Much of the controversy surrounding the Public Service Broadcasting Bill has focused on the proposed tax and the role of the minister of communications. Less attention has focused on the implications of the Bill for the regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa).
- Mandela Day
Wondering what you can do for Mandela Day? Here’s Media Monitoring Africa’s suggestion: Spend 67 minutes reading and explaining the news to your children.
It’s a small gesture but it could have a big impact. Not only could it change your child’s approach to the media but you may be surprised at how much your child can teach you!
How can you do this? Simple: do the DRIVE!
- Molefe’s appointment: minister intervenes but SOS ‘resents’ Ngubane
Dr Ben Ngubane’s ‘dictatorial’ decision to permanently appoint Phil Molefe as SABC head of news has backfired and has alienated him from the rest of the board and lobby groups, which believe the chairperson can no longer be trusted. And despite communications minister Siphiwe Nyanda acting as a peacemaker to keep Molefe out, SOS Support Public Broadcasting wants Ngubane to relinquish his crown.
- 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).
News
- The Times: Crass or caring?
The Times has been inundated with letters and phone calls after publishing a picture of a newborn baby girl who was burned and dumped in open veld in Soweto on Tuesday.
- ANC asks moms not to dump babies
The ANC in Gauteng implored new mothers who did not want their babies to stop the “horrendous” practice of dumping them in the veld, dustbins and pit latrines, in response to a picture in The Times on Wednesday of a dead baby found in Soweto.
- Dead baby pic in ‘The Times’, not okay says MMA
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) is concerned about ‘The Times’ decision to publish an image of a dead infant on its front page (21/07/2010). Can such a decision be justified?
- Times Too hasty in Picture Publication
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) is concerned about The Times’ decision to publish an image of a dead infant on its front page (21/07/2010).
- A stronger, not weaker, Icasa is needed to sort out the SABC
Much of the controversy surrounding the Public Service Broadcasting Bill has focused on the proposed tax and the role of the minister of communications. Less attention has focused on the implications of the Bill for the regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa).
- Mandela Day
Wondering what you can do for Mandela Day? Here’s Media Monitoring Africa’s suggestion: Spend 67 minutes reading and explaining the news to your children.
It’s a small gesture but it could have a big impact. Not only could it change your child’s approach to the media but you may be surprised at how much your child can teach you!
How can you do this? Simple: do the DRIVE!
- Molefe’s appointment: minister intervenes but SOS ‘resents’ Ngubane
Dr Ben Ngubane’s ‘dictatorial’ decision to permanently appoint Phil Molefe as SABC head of news has backfired and has alienated him from the rest of the board and lobby groups, which believe the chairperson can no longer be trusted. And despite communications minister Siphiwe Nyanda acting as a peacemaker to keep Molefe out, SOS Support Public Broadcasting wants Ngubane to relinquish his crown.
- Media must condemn abuse
Sunday World issues apology in response to MMA’s concerns about the reporting of gender based violence
- Presidency, media clash over MaNtuli’s alleged infidelity
The Presidency is up in arms with the media, accusing reporters of undermining the right to privacy and dignity of president Jacob Zuma and his family after several newspapers last week published ‘saucy’ revelations about Zuma’s second wife Nompumelelo Ntuli (MaNtuli)‘s alleged extra-marital affair with her late bodyguard.
- Listen up Fifa! - Children’s press conference
One day into the World Cup, children from two local schools (Naturena Primary and Saxonwold Primary) are going to be giving their verdict on Bafana Bafana’s first performance, and letting you know how they feel about the big stories hitting the headlines. Come and hear their calls for change, and their views on what we can do better!
Resources
- Submission to Department of Communications (DOC) on the ICASA Amendment Bill
Media Monitoring Africa registers its concern over the relatively short time period for submissions. Given the importance and scope of the Bill, not just in terms of the issues it seeks to change but also that if implemented it would impact every person in South Africa, and given that there has not yet been a policy review process we believe the short period has prevented:
- Proper, broad-based meaningful consultation with members of the public
- In-depth debate and discussion on the various changes
- The development of clear alternatives to some of the issues provided.The move by the Department of Communications to amend the policy governing ICASA is an exciting and invigorating moment for South Africa. It is of fundamental importance to ensure that all South Africans participate in shaping our “independent” regulator’s future. Especially given the history of its formation, and creation as critical to democracy and media independence. In addition, the role of “independent” regulation in this new digital era is critical to ensuring that all citizen’s needs are catered for, and not just a select few, with higher LSM’s for instance.
- Child Safety Measures during the World Cup – how did we do?
“There was no money set aside (by government) for the protection of children.”
(Gyan Dwarika, Social Work Advance Specialist: Child Exploitation, Department of Social Development)
With children on extended holidays for the duration of the World Cup, there were concerns that the sporting event brought with it new threats and risks in terms of children’s safety. Children from Saxonwold and Naturena Primary Schools in Johannesburg wanted to find out what was done to keep children safe during the World Cup, how effective they had been, and what role the media had played!
- 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.
Blog
- 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.
- 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.
Get Mad/Glad
- Protect children’s best interests when prominent figures pay them a visit
An article published in The Star, “Princess takes a bow at care centre” (22/06/2010, p. 3) about Japanese Princess Takamado’s visit to the St. Francis Care, has given Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) reason to be mad. It reported on a Japanese Princess’s visit to a care centre in Boksburg, which cares for adults and children affected by HIV/AIDS. A picture and name of a child interacting with the princess were provided, together with the names of two children at the centre.
- Daily Sun report is guilty of multiple violations of a child’s rights
Daily Sun’s article “My Girl’s Possessed” ( Daily Sun , 10,06,2010, p. 2) makes Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) mad. It fails to respect and uphold the rights of the child at the centre of the story. She is identified despite being the alleged victim of child sex abuse and a witness in a criminal case. On top of that, the details and descriptions of her alleged behaviour violate her rights to dignity and privacy.
- Concerns voiced for children in the court system.
West Cape News article “How to breed a hardened criminal” (20/06/2010 p.13) is one to be glad about. It exposes violations of childrens’ rights in the judicial system.
- Daily Sun and The Star identify child witnesses and abandoned children
Two articles published in Daily Sun, entitled “One mistake!” (20/04/2010, p. 1) and “Abandoned by boozing Mum”, (20/04/2010, p. 4) together with another article published in The Star, “Arson accused walks away scot-free”, (20/04/2010, p. 2); were selected as MAD OAT Mads for the gratuitous identification of two child witnesses (Daily Sun and The Star)and three children who were abandoned by their mother (Daily Sun).
- Morning Live shines as a prime advocate for children’s voices
The Morning Live news team was selected for a glad for its outstanding work, recently, in providing a platform for children’s voices in the media. At least once a week the programme has featured in-depth interviews with children on a wide range of topics.
- Beeld reports child abuse in appalling way
The story, “Onnie dwing seun (5) om ‘n rok te dra” (“Teacher forces boy (5) to wear a skirt”) makes Media Minitoring Africa (MMA) mad. Beeld’s (02/06/2010) front page report and photograph do not serve the child’s best interest.
- Saturday Star takes society to task on child abuse
Saturday Star’s article “We are raising this generation of children” puts child abuse on the agenda and scrutinizes the way South African society and government takes care of its children, and for this it gets a glad.
- The Times gives prominence to concerns around child-porn ruling
The Times article “Child-porn ruling fury” (02/06/2010, p.1) gets a Glad for its critical reporting of a suspended sentence, handed down to a paedophile who pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography.
- Sowetan denies crash victims their rights
For many reasons the Sowetan’s front page story “The life Jub Jub ruined” (28/05/10, p. 1, 2) makes MMA mad. Not only did the article publish personal and embarrassing details about the condition of seventeen year old crash victim, violating his right to dignity, but it also named the child and published photographs of him, despite the fact that he is a witness to a crime.
- Child witness and victim named
On 17 May 2010 The Times published a front page story, “Another life wasted” (17/05/10, p.1) about two girls who were knocked down while walking home from school. One of the girls died while the other was in an Intensive Care Unit. The Times receives a MAD for two reasons. First because they named the girl who survived the accident and secondly because they gave details of where she was in hospital.
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