Guy Berger

It was only after Business Day published, that the Sunday Times proffered an editorial comment – feebly asking the public to feel free to complain about any perceived problems.

Ahead of May 3 World Press Freedom Day, a new study of 37 countries gives the state of play for internet freedom in six African states. Here’s the pecking order: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zimbabwe … and Ethiopia. (Yes, there’s a place even more restrictive than Zimbabwe.) Although South Africa’s internet freedom leads, our […]

The ANC has different views on the press, many of which do not tally

Lifting your gaze from the gritty business of fighting for information and press rights, it’s pretty interesting to consider South Africa in wider international context. How does the country’s media system stack up in comparison to the US, Italy, Russia and China? What’s common, what’s changing, what’s relevant? Here are the highlights of a conference […]

“Independent” regulation is being sold as a compromise – it’s painted as being a “third way” and a palatable position that avoids pitfalls of either industry or political regulation. But it’s flawed.

A case of the proverbial hornets’ nest having been thoughtlessly kicked

If the ANC really wishes to debate media accountability, or media ownership, or media diversity, or media transformation, no problem. Just take the statutory regulation threat off the table, and the discussion can flow.

Most media responses to the ANC’s recently released discussion document have come out fighting. The particular target is the proposed media appeals tribunal, a body that would give ruling party the final say over what the press can publish. A few media responses, however, have been mea culpa. But where problems have been acknowledged and […]