Media & Democracy in South Africa - Softcover

In April 1994 South Africa entered a new era when it held its first democratic elections. Institutions of government and civil society are still struggling to position themselves in this changed environment in spite of the fact that the country's transition is now four years old. These institutions include the media. Criticism has been voiced that government and society are gradually transforming, but not the media and therefore they are obstructing democratization. Is this criticism justified? This book considers many questions. Seven contributors representing divergent interests explore the complex interface between the media and democracy mainly in the South Africa of today, These contributors consider the legislative and policy environments necessary for the media to play a meaningful role in building democracy, including the steps that need to be taken to develop sustainable, diverse and independent media. The role of the media as presently constituted can and should fill this role. South Africa's reintegration into the global community is also reflected in some of the contributions, with two providing international perspectives on questions directly pertinent to our media today.

Jane Duncan is the executive director of the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) in Johannesburg. Mandla Seleoane was formerly the deputy chair of FXI and a researcher at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).