R2K calls for transformation of print ownership, staff & product

South Africa’s print media remains dominated by four major commercial companies that control over 80% of all circulation (with Media24/Naspers controlling 40% alone) and content and distribution remain highly skewed to the English speaking urban population.

In an written and oral submission to the Print and Digital Media Transformation Task Team (PDMTTT) we argued that it is not enough to focus on ‘narrow’ transformation of race and gender representation on the boards of elite organisations — there must be broader transformation to ensure diversity of views and ownership models, with better public funding models for non-profit media, and monopolies must be limited. Transformation must ensure that the media reflect society (including working-class communities) at the levels of ownership, staff and product.

Download the full r2K submission here.