Media transformation conference

Media transformation is taking centre stage at the twoday Media Transformation, Accountability and Diversity Colloquium, hosted by Communications Minister Faith Muthambi.

The colloquium started yesterday at Freedom Park in Pretoria and ends today.

The conference aims to bring together a broad range of stakeholders that will contribute to a meaningful debate on media transformation, ac- countability and diversity priorities. Stakeholders ranging from NGOs, government departments, advocacy forums, media houses, academia, civil society and other key role players are attending.

During her Budget Vote Speech earlier this year, Muthambi indicated that print media transformation is her department’s flagship project for 2016/17. She said there was a huge disconnect between the expectations of both government and media on what exactly the role of the media should be.

“Media transformation will … be made to address not only print media ownership but also the ownership of printing presses, the measurement of circulation, distribution channels and the assessment of regulatory instruments to regulate the affairs of media practitioners,” said Muthambi during her Budget Vote Speech.

The Minister’s view is that South Africa needs a diverse media industry that truly re- flects the “rainbow nation” – from ownership and control to the newsroom. She said this is to ensure that media freedom is enjoyed by all citizens.

“We take stock of the transformation that has occurred in this industry to ensure that the ownership of these influential media assets reflects our diversity. Untransformed media is unable to comprehensively demonstrate the plurality of voices in our societies – diversity in content,” said Muthambi. – SAnews.gov.za