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
- Media must condemn abuse
Sunday World issues apology in response to MMA’s concerns about the reporting of gender based violence
- Move to outlaw cellphone, net porn ‘a step backwards’
DEPUTY Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba plans to submit regulations banning pornography on the internet and cellphones to the Law Reform Commission, together with other recommendations aimed at preventing access to pornography.
- 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.
- MEDIA: The Untold Stories of Violence Against Women
ROME, Nov 26 (IPS) - “You don’t need to go far, it is all around us,“ said Robert Dijksterhuis, head of the gender division in the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to a room mostly full of women. “Up to one in three women around the world has been abused in some way - most often by someone she knows,“ he added, quoting UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) numbers.
- Media ‘neglecting plight of women’
South African media are contributing to the disempowerment of women, despite the fact that issues involving gender equality, women’s poverty and health are of primary importance to the country’s agenda, according to research by Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), which was released last week.
- Media misses chance to save lives
World population day is celebrated on the 11th of July each year, this year, the subject is family planning. UNFPA states that worldwide access to family planning could save the lives of approximately 175 000 women each year.
A current issue around family planning in South Africa is the Amendment of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, which made termination of pregnancy facilities more widely available for South African women. Recent monitoring by the Media Monitoring Project (MMP) suggests that press coverage may stigmatise abortion by associating it with irresponsible sexual behaviour and provides little information on the procedure and how to access it.
- Making women’s day work for women: 2007 Media Challenge
Following the highly successful challenge issued by the Media Monitoring Project (MMP) to the South African media in the previous years for the coverage of National Women’s Day, the MMP has decided to re-issue the challenge to the media this year: to mainstream women on National Women’s Day. Instead of the media merely concentrating on so called “women’s issues” and only on the celebrations that are set to take place on the 9th of August, the MMP challenges the media to fill their papers, radio broadcasts, television schedules and news programmes with women.
- Complaint against Daily Voice resolved
The Media Monitoring Project filed a complaint against the Daily Voice about the coverage of children in a child pornography feature. We also highlighted this case of bad coverage and launched a petition against it. The Daily Voice approached MMP for a settlement to the complaint. The settlement compels the Daily Voice to:
- Ensure that the children get counseling,
- Submit its protocol on publication relating to children to the MMP and to Child Line for contributions,
- Participate in the course for journalists, “Reporting Children in the Media” presented by MMP at Wits University.
The agreement is presented here as it was sent to the Press Ombudsman.
- Complaint to Press Ombudsman against Daily Voice
The Media Monitoring Project has made a complaint to the Press Ombudsman against the Daily Voice, a Cape Town tabloid about an article related to a child pornography ring.
- Empowering Messages, Improving Lives
Gender based violence is a gross violation of human rights. As we approach International Human Rights Day, it is critical that we raise awareness around gender-based violence messages in the media and examine how NGOs and CSOs are helping to improve gender- based violence communication campaigns. The Media Monitoring Project (MMP) and the Southern African Media and Gender Institute (SAMGI) have embarked on an exciting regional project to improve communication strategies on gender-based violence.
Resources
- 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.
- Women? What women?! - Media contributes to the disempowerment of women
It is clear that issues around gender equality, women’s poverty and health are of primary importance to South Africa. Women form a greater proportion of South Africa’s population and a greater proportion of the rural population (which is also the most poorly serviced), head a greater number of households (which are more likely to be poor and earn less than male-headed households), are affected by HIV/Aids the most, and suffer alarming levels of gender-based violence. MMA’s monitoring demonstrates that this has not been reflected in media’s election coverage, when these issues should come to the forefront of many (if not the greater majority of) reports.
- “No big deal” Poverty, Service Delivery and Election Coverage: Election Report for week ending 3 Apr
This week MMA looks at key topics of elections stories. The results of the topics of elections coverage present a number of issues to discuss. For this report however, we will build on the prior week’s report “Is the media campaigning for the ANC and COPE?”, and focus on the level of attention devoted to the topics of manifestos, campaigning, poverty and service delivery.
This report addresses the results of media monitoring conducted from 13/03/09 until 01/04/2009. According to the monitoring results, it would appear that media consider simplistic coverage of campaign activities and political conflict to be more important than engaging parties and the public over the content of party manifestos, and how parties believe such major issues as poverty and service delivery should and can be addressed.
- Election coverage 6 March 2009 - ANC the talk of the provinces
Media Monitoring Africa has monitored every democratic election in South Africa. This year we are doing the same, providing daily and weekly reports on media coverage of election news, as well as MMA’s Election Media Ratings.
- Election coverage 25 February 2009 - Malemaphilia or otherwise?
Media Monitoring Africa has monitored every democratic election in South Africa. This year we are doing the same, providing daily reports on media coverage of election news[1], weekly reports as well as MMA’s Election Media Ratings.
Top stories for Wednesday the 25 February are:
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
- Saturday Star’s readers informed about trafficking
The article published by Saturday Star, “2010 spurs human trafficking fear” (03/04/2010 p. 8) is one to be glad about. This article exposed common locations of human trafficking in South Africa and how children will be affected by this crime. It also explained human trafficking and its implications to the reader.
- City Press features female prisoners’ children
“Liberating babies from jail”, City Press (25/04/2010, p. 27) is one to be glad about. This article, written by Chris Makhaye took a positive angle on children who live with their mothers in prison and how they should be liberated, as the headline suggests.
- 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.
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