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
News
- “KE NAKO” – the time is now for the SABC board
Despite the breach in corporate governance in the appointment and announcement of Phil Molefe, as head of News, to date there has been no indication that the new SABC board is incapable of fulfilling its mandate. Accordingly the actions of the SABC board are to be applauded in seeking to resolve this breach of SABC’s corporate governance rules so speedily. We are however concerned that there has not yet been any announcement as to what action will be taken against the SABC board chairperson and the SABC GCEO and we call on the Board to inform the public about what processes and investigations are being undertaken to address the breach, and to ensure its speedy resolution.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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”.
- Campaign to get more time for broadcast bill
MEDIA Monitoring Africa, a media policy watchdog, yesterday launched a campaign on its website calling for the public to petition the director- general of the Department of Communications, Mamodupi Mohlala, to allow more time to comment on the controversial Public Service Broadcast Bill, which it says will fundamentally change broadcasting.
- Petition to delay PBS Bill public summisions deadline
A petition to request the South African government to extend the deadline for public submissions on the proposed controversial Public Service Broadcasting Bill, from 7 December 2009 to the end of March 2010 has been put forward by media policy watchdog Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) together with the SOS (Supporting Public Broadcasting) Coalition.
- Public Broadcast Bill needs more time
More time is needed for the public to submit changes to the proposed Public Service Broadcasting Bill, Media Monitoring Africa said in a statement on Tuesday.
“We are asking the department of communications for a reasonable extension to the deadline for public submissions on the bill,“ the watchdog’s director William Bird said in a statement.
- Urgent call to extend deadline for Public Service Broadcasting Bill
Media policy watchdog Media Monitoring Africa, together with the SOS Supporting Public Broadcasting Coalition, is imploring the South African government for a reasonable extension to the deadline for public submissions on the proposed controversial Public Service Broadcasting Bill, from December 7 to the end of March 2010.
- Coalition wants SABC to become a chapter nine institution
The Save Our SABC Coalition said on Thursday making the broadcaster a chapter nine institution would protect it from government interference.
- Broadcasting Amendment Bill unworkable if certain key clauses not amended
Today the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications will again be deliberating on the Broadcasting Amendment Bill. The ‘Save our SABC’ Coalition is sending a letter to the Chair of the Committee, Ismail Vadi to object to certain proposals to amend the Bill suggested by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
Resources
- Submission to ICASA on the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Regulations
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA, formerly the Media Monitoring Project) made a submission to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) on the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Regulations.
The submission addressed the following:
1. MMA’s Constitutional Assumptions.
2. The relationship with the MMA and the Save our SABC (SOS) – Reclaiming our Public Broadcaster Coalition.
3. Areas of concern relating to the draft regulations.
4. Summary of recommendations.
5. Conclusion
- Save our SABC Submission
MMP, together with other civil society organisations have formed a coalition in order to restoring the credibility, protecting the independence and promoting best practice principles of public broadcasting. View the submissions to the draft broadcast amendment bill.
- ICASA submission on the proposed regulations under Section 69 of the Electronic Communications Act
The MMP made a submission to the Section 69 of the Electronic Communications Act to ensure that the Act continues to have human rights presented therein. MMP has made submissions on the original Code of Conduct for Broadcasters, as well as on the SABC’s editorial policies, where it is worth noting that some of MMP’s recommendations were included in the final editorial code currently in operation.
- Press Freedom and the Films and Publications Amendment Bill
The 3rd of May is World Press Freedom day, it is also the 2nd day of hearing in parliament on the Film and Publications Amendment Bill which sees the tenets of media freedom being pitted against the need to protect children.
- FPB Presentation to Parliament
William Bird, director of MMP presented the MMP submission to the Films and Publications Bill to Parliament on 2 May 2007.
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