Transforming the Mediascape in South Africa: The Continuing Struggle to Develop Community Radio

Abstract

As a new democracy, South Africa's adoption of community radio is significant on a global scale. It can be said to have more progressive broadcasting policies than other long-established democracies. But the sector, despite its rapid growth, is struggling. This paper considers community radio in South Africa as an example of ‘citizens' media’ that is transforming the country's mediascape. It draws on interviews undertaken in South Africa during late 2001 to discuss the problems that the sector is facing. The role of legislation and regulation is considered as well as an example of a community radio station that serves a severely disadvantaged community. Social and economic underdevelopment in historically disadvantaged communities is seen as a major problem and an example of an initiative that seeks to develop such communities through community radio is described.

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