People's Voice: The Development and Current State of the South African Small Media Sector

The purpose of this study was to assist the work of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), an organisation which was established to direct funding and support to the small media sector in the interests of deepening South Africa’s young democracy.

The study aims to provide an overview of relevant legislation and policy in South Africa, pre- and post-1994, as well as review international research that reveals global trends in small media development. It sketches the distribution of the sector in South Africa, revealing the topography of service providers and key stakeholders. The report seeks to identify the interests that are common to small independent and community media groupings and examines ways in which the sustainability of these organisations can be promoted.

Providing a range of data, analysis and information, this study is a resource for anyone wishing to engage effectively with the small media sector.

The study includes the following chapters, which may be downloaded in PDF format:

Introduction

Chapter 1: Small media in South Africa

Chapter 2: Small media and the policy environment

Chapter 3: Overview of small media in South Africa

Chapter 4: Analysis and conclusions

Chapter 5: Conclusion

Appendix and References